A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Know Before You Drive Act" is designed to inform consumers about the capabilities and limitations of partially automated vehicles. It prohibits manufacturers from making misleading claims that suggest partially automated systems can function as fully automated driving systems. The bill requires manufacturers and dealers to provide clear notices to purchasers regarding the features, capabilities, and required driver tasks of these vehicles. It also mandates notifications for software updates that materially change system performance. Furthermore, the Act amends the Automobile Information Disclosure Act to include specific safety labeling requirements. Enforcement of these rules is granted to the NHTSA, the Federal Trade Commission, and State attorneys general.
Yes
- Scored +7
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill prohibits manufacturers from making misleading claims about vehicle automation and requires clear disclosures to consumers.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill increases transparency by requiring manufacturers to provide clear notices regarding vehicle capabilities and software updates.
- Scored +3
Would middle-income households be better off under this?
The bill provides better consumer information for vehicle purchasers, which often includes middle-income households.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Prevention of Misleading Claims: Manufacturers are prohibited from implying that a partially automated system is a fully automated one or that it has capabilities it cannot perform (Section 2(a)). This protects consumers from being misled about what their vehicle can actually do.
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Required Consumer Notifications: When a vehicle is sold, manufacturers or dealers must provide a clear notice describing the system's features, capabilities, limitations, and the specific driver tasks required, such as supervising the system or responding to failures (Section 2(b)(1)). This ensures buyers understand their responsibilities.
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Transparency in Software Updates: If a software update materially changes how the driving system performs, the manufacturer must provide a clear notice to the owner, lessee, or driver (Section 2(c)). This keeps consumers informed of changes to their vehicle's functionality over time.
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Enhanced Labeling for Comparison: The Act mandates specific safety labeling that uses plain language or graphic icons, allowing consumers to easily compare different vehicles (Section 2(e)(1)). This includes information on whether driver supervision is required and any geographical or environmental restrictions.
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Legal Recourse and Enforcement: The bill empowers State attorneys general to bring civil actions to protect residents, which can include obtaining damages, restitution, or civil penalties (Section 2(d)(3)(A)). This provides a mechanism for holding violators accountable.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential for Information Overload or Complexity: While the bill aims for clarity, it requires detailed descriptions of subtasks, operational design domains, and environmental restrictions (Section 2(b)(1) and Section 2(e)(1)), which may be complex for the average consumer to process.
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Compliance Liability Exceptions: A dealer is not held in violation if a manufacturer fails to provide the required notice, and a manufacturer is not in violation if they provide the notice to the dealer but the dealer fails to provide it to the purchaser (Section 2(b)(3)). This could create gaps in consumer protection where responsibility is shifted between parties.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill prohibits manufacturers from making misleading claims about vehicle automation and requires clear disclosures to consumers.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill increases transparency by requiring manufacturers to provide clear notices regarding vehicle capabilities and software updates.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The bill provides better consumer information for vehicle purchasers, which often includes middle-income households.
- 2/10/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2/4/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
- Introduced in House