A new federal mandate will require every new passenger vehicle sold in the U.S. to be equipped with infrared driver-monitoring cameras by 2027. The rule, stemming from Section 24220 of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to curb impaired driving using continuous, passive monitoring technology.
These cameras track eye movement, pupil dilation, and signs of drowsiness without any driver action. If the onboard artificial intelligence detects impairment, it can prevent the vehicle from starting or limit its speed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites 9,000 to 10,000 deaths annually from impaired driving as the primary justification for the mandate.
Automakers will need to integrate these systems into all new models, raising questions about privacy, cost, and reliability. However, proponents argue the life-saving potential outweighs these concerns.