Federal Law Puts Kill Switch in New Cars by 2027

In Texas, your car is an extension of your personality and brings independence. Can you imagine, climbing into your truck only to find that independence taken away? A lot of time and money go into getting a new car. However, Texans now have something new to look forward to when purchasing a new car. Some will think it's perfect for public safety, others will see it as another breach in their privacy.

What Is the HALT Drunk Driving Act?

A new act was passed in 2021, called the HALT Drunk Driving Act, a provision within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In Section 24220, the law requires that all new passenger vehicles have factory-installed sensors that can detect if the driver has any impairments. If it shows the driver is impaired, the vehicle will not turn on.

This was signed into law on November 15, 2021, with stipulations that this new technology would have to be in vehicles by 2027, and that deadline is now approaching.

Many people believe that it is a major overstep, which can open your vehicle up to control by outside sources.

Why Are Texans and Car Buyers Pushing Back?

Privacy and surveillance - Big Brother is always watching
Hackers - People hacking into your vehicle
Software Not Working - The vehicle thinks you're impaired, and you end up stranded
Costs: The cost of this addition will be passed on to consumers

Many social media influencers are addressing the new tech in cars on their platforms.

Another big concern is that the price of used vehicles will rocket because many people will refuse to buy a new vehicle as long as this technology is included.

What Happened to the Bills That Would Have Stopped It?

There were bills introduced in Congress to repeal Section 24220, the No Kill Switches in Cars Act. However, that bill died. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced an amendment to the federal appropriations bill, which would have defunded Section 24220 in January 2026. Unfortunately, that amendment failed in a 229-201 vote.

According to Kelly Blue Book, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration missed its deadline in 2024 to establish the Advanced Impaired Driving Prevention Technology. The deadline was extended, and it is about to expire.

Should You Buy a Car Before 2027?

If this technology is not something you want in your next vehicle, now is the time to buy or start keeping up with the maintenance on what you already drive. This will be the norm on all new cars, unless the law is repealed in the future. However, if futuristic movies have taught us anything, this is only the beginning.