Bill would push large automakers to sell drunk-driving prevention tech sooner

What does this do?

The DRIVE to HALT Drunk Driving Act would require large auto manufacturers to produce and sell at least 10,000 passenger vehicles per year meeting the U.S. DADSS alcohol-detection standard, and another 10,000 per year meeting a similar European safety standard, within 180 days of the law passing. These per-manufacturer requirements would end once separate federal rules from the 2021 infrastructure law take effect.

Who does it affect?

The requirement applies to auto manufacturers and importers that sold more than 250,000 vehicles in the U.S. two years earlier. Consumers who buy new vehicles from these manufacturers would also be affected.

Why does it matter?

Manufacturers that fail to meet the requirements could face civil penalties under existing federal vehicle safety law, and would need to develop and sell this technology sooner than under broader federal rules already planned.

Where does it stand?