Unless Congress hits the brakes soon, an impending regulation could require all new cars to monitor your behavior, specifically whether you are too impaired to drive.

It's a law that has largely gone under the radar, but one that could affect millions of Americans. And before it takes effect, Congress owes the public clear answers about privacy, surveillance and who controls the data these systems collect.

The "kill switch" requirement started in 2021 when Congress passed the HALT Drunk Driving Act as part of broader infrastructure legislation. It received bipartisan support, although many more Democrats voted for it than Republicans. In recent months, several Republicans have tried to repeal the mandate.

The law charged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with writing rules requiring automakers to install anti-drunk driving technology in new vehicles within five years. Those rules are still being written but could go into effect as early as next year.

The law's text states that, to "ensure the prevention of alcohol-impaired driving........

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