To require automobile dealers to disclose to consumers the presence of Event Data Recorders, or "black boxes" on new automobiles, and to require manufacturers to provide the consumer with the option to enable and disable such devices on future automobiles.
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (8 Oct 2004): Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.
What this bill does
This bill, H.R. 5305, would require automobile dealers to inform consumers about Event Data Recorders (EDRs), commonly known as "black boxes," in new cars at the time of purchase. This disclosure would need to clearly state the presence, location, and type of information the EDR records, and that this data might be used in law enforcement proceedings. Manufacturers would also have to include this information in owner's manuals for vehicles with EDRs.
The bill also proposes that after 2006, any new car model year 2007 or later equipped with an EDR must allow consumers the option to enable or disable the device. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce these requirements, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would be tasked with studying the potential benefits and unknown consequences of EDR technology.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in October 2004 and has not progressed beyond that stage. It was sponsored by Representative Michael Capuano and co-sponsored by Representative Mary Bono.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Requires automobile dealers to disclose to consumers the presence of Event Data Recorders (EDRs) on new automobiles at the time of purchase in a clear and conspicuous format that communicates: (1) the presence and location of the EDR; (2) the type of information recorded by the EDR and how such information is recorded; and (3) that information recorded by the EDR also may be used in law enforcement proceedings.
Requires automobile manufacturers to include the same information in the owner's manual of any new automobile containing an EDR.
Prohibits persons from manufacturing for sale, selling, offering for sale, introducing or delivering into interstate commerce, or importing automobiles manufactured after 2006 (and bearing a model year of 2007 or later) that are equipped with EDRs, unless those EDRs can be disabled by the consumer.
Treats a violation of EDR requirements of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) and requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce this Act accordingly.
Requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to study and report to Congress on the potential utility and still unknown consequences of implementing EDR technology.
Timeline
8 Oct 2004
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5305 do?
- This bill, H.R. 5305, would require automobile dealers to inform consumers about Event Data Recorders (EDRs), commonly known as "black boxes," in new cars at the time of purchase. This disclosure would need to clearly state the presence, location, and type of information the EDR records, and that this data might be used in law enforcement proceedings. Manufacturers would also have to include this information in owner's manuals for vehicles with EDRs. The bill also proposes that after 2006, any new car model year 2007 or later equipped with an EDR must allow consumers the option to enable or disable the device. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce these requirements, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would be tasked with studying the potential benefits and unknown consequences of EDR technology. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in October 2004 and has not progressed beyond that stage. It was sponsored by Representative Michael Capuano and co-sponsored by Representative Mary Bono.
- Has H.R. 5305 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 5305. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 5305?
- H.R. 5305 was sponsored by Rep. Capuano, Michael E. [D-MA-8] (D-MA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5305?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. (8 Oct 2004).
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