Know Before You Drive Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7377

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-10: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Last Updated

2026-02-12T09:06:29Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Know Before You Drive Act" (H.R. 7377) aims to protect consumers by requiring clear information about the features, capabilities, and limitations of partially automated vehicles. It prevents misleading marketing and ensures buyers, lessees, and drivers understand that these systems require human supervision and cannot fully replace a driver.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition on Misleading Claims: Starting 180 days after enactment, manufacturers cannot make statements that suggest a partially automated driving system (which handles some steering and speed control but requires driver monitoring) is a fully automated system (which can perform all driving tasks without human input).
• Notification at First Sale: Within 2 years of enactment, manufacturers and dealers must provide a clear notice to buyers or lessees describing the system's features, capabilities, limitations (including its "operational design domain"—specific conditions like weather or road types where it works best), and driver responsibilities (e.g., detecting hazards, supervising the system, and intervening if needed). Manufacturers must supply this notice to dealers before delivery.
• Updates for Software Changes: Starting 2 years after enactment, for any software update (including over-the-air ones) that significantly affects driving performance, manufacturers must notify owners, lessees, or drivers about changes to capabilities and limitations.
• Enforcement Mechanisms:
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can enforce violations as motor vehicle safety defects.
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) treats violations as unfair or deceptive practices, with full FTC powers to investigate and penalize.
• State attorneys general can file civil actions for injunctions, damages, or penalties, with notice to the FTC; federal actions take precedence during pendency.
• Labeling Requirements: Amends the Automobile Information Disclosure Act to require window stickers on new vehicles with automated systems. These must include plain-language or icon-based info on what driving subtasks (e.g., steering, hazard detection) the system handles, if driver supervision is needed, conditions outside its design domain, and any extra costs for the system.
• Regulations: The Secretary of Transportation must issue rules within 9 months to implement labeling, effective within 2 years.
• Definitions: Key terms include "partially automated driving system" (handles motion control but expects driver monitoring for hazards), "dynamic driving task" (real-time functions like steering, accelerating, and responding to events, excluding trip planning), and "operational design domain" (specific conditions for safe operation).
• Rule of Construction: Does not limit liability under state or common law.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends 49 U.S.C. § 30165(a)(1) to add enforcement authority for NHTSA on misleading claims, sales notices, and updates.
• Revises the Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 1231–1232) by adding labeling mandates for automated systems and incorporating definitions from this Act.
• Introduces FTC oversight for deceptive practices related to automated vehicles, treating violations like rule breaches under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
• Grants state attorneys general new federal civil enforcement powers, coordinated with FTC intervention rights.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Increases workload for NHTSA (safety enforcement), FTC (deceptive practices), and the Department of Transportation (rulemaking). States gain tools for consumer protection but must coordinate with federal actions.
• On Citizens: Improves consumer awareness, reducing risks of over-reliance on partial automation, which could enhance road safety. Buyers get clearer info at purchase, potentially influencing decisions and reducing accidents from misunderstandings.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it may set U.S. standards influencing global automakers exporting to the U.S. and encourage harmonized international guidelines for vehicle automation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Consumers/Purchasers: Primary beneficiaries, receiving mandatory disclosures to make informed choices about vehicle features and driver roles.
• Manufacturers and Dealers: Must comply with notices, labeling, and update requirements; face penalties for non-compliance but get protections (e.g., dealers not liable if manufacturers fail to provide info).
• Government Entities: NHTSA, FTC, Department of Transportation, and state attorneys general handle enforcement and oversight.
• Automotive Industry: Broader sector affected by standardized labeling and marketing rules, potentially standardizing practices across partially automated vehicles.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens consumer protection laws by integrating automated vehicle disclosures into existing frameworks like motor vehicle safety and trade regulations. Allows for civil penalties, injunctions, and state actions without preempting broader state authority. No exemptions from other liabilities, preserving tort claims for accidents.
• Constitutional: Aligns with federal commerce powers over interstate vehicle sales; no apparent free speech issues as restrictions target misleading commercial claims, which courts have upheld under First Amendment precedents.
• Political: Promotes vehicle safety amid growing adoption of automation tech, potentially reducing public distrust. Could influence industry innovation by emphasizing transparency, though enforcement may face debates over federal vs. state roles or regulatory burdens on manufacturers.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-10: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
• 2026-02-10: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2026-02-04: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
• 2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2026-02-04: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Know Before You Drive Act — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (13 pages)