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 (24 Jun 2011): Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
What this bill does
H.R. 2374 addresses "event data recorders," or black boxes, that record information such as speed, seatbelt use, and braking in motor vehicles. The bill would declare that both the recorder and any data it collects are the property of the vehicle's owner. It would make it unlawful for anyone other than the owner to retrieve that data except in specific circumstances: with the owner's consent, under a court order, by a dealer or technician for repair/diagnostic purposes, or for safety-related research that does not identify the owner or driver. Violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive practices enforceable by the Federal Trade Commission. Separately, the bill would require that new motor vehicles with a model year of 2013 or later that include an event data recorder allow the owner to enable or disable its recording function.
The bill primarily affects vehicle owners, automobile manufacturers, dealers, and repair technicians, as well as the Federal Trade Commission, which would gain enforcement authority. Its stated purpose is to protect consumer privacy by clarifying data ownership and limiting unauthorized access to recorded vehicle data, while giving owners control over whether the recorder operates.
The bill was introduced on June 24, 2011, in the 112th Congress by Rep. Michael Capuano and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Requires the event data recorder in a motor vehicle and any data recorded on such a recorder to be considered the property of the vehicle owner. Makes retrieval of such data by anyone other than the vehicle owner unlawful, except: (1) with the owner's consent; (2) in response to a court order; (3) by a vehicle dealer or an automotive technician for servicing the vehicle; or (4) for improving vehicle safety, provided the identity of the registered owner or driver is not disclosed. Gives the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the authority to enforce this Act.
Makes it unlawful to manufacture, sell, or import new motor vehicles manufactured after 2011 (bearing a model year of 2013 or later) that are equipped with event data recorders, unless those recorders can be disabled by the vehicle owner.
Timeline
24 Jun 2011
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2374 do?
- H.R. 2374 addresses "event data recorders," or black boxes, that record information such as speed, seatbelt use, and braking in motor vehicles. The bill would declare that both the recorder and any data it collects are the property of the vehicle's owner. It would make it unlawful for anyone other than the owner to retrieve that data except in specific circumstances: with the owner's consent, under a court order, by a dealer or technician for repair/diagnostic purposes, or for safety-related research that does not identify the owner or driver. Violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive practices enforceable by the Federal Trade Commission. Separately, the bill would require that new motor vehicles with a model year of 2013 or later that include an event data recorder allow the owner to enable or disable its recording function. The bill primarily affects vehicle owners, automobile manufacturers, dealers, and repair technicians, as well as the Federal Trade Commission, which would gain enforcement authority. Its stated purpose is to protect consumer privacy by clarifying data ownership and limiting unauthorized access to recorded vehicle data, while giving owners control over whether the recorder operates. The bill was introduced on June 24, 2011, in the 112th Congress by Rep. Michael Capuano and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further, meaning it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 2374 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 2374. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2374?
- H.R. 2374 was sponsored by Rep. Capuano, Michael E. [D-MA-8] (D-MA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2374?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. (24 Jun 2011).
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More bills from Rep. Capuano, Michael E. [D-MA-8]
Black Box Privacy Protection Act
Black Box Privacy Protection Act
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Black Box Privacy Protection Act
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