Posted on 03/16/2026 10:11:19 AM PDT by yesthatjallen
Your next car purchase comes with an unwelcome passenger: a federal mandate requiring surveillance technology that monitors your every blink, glance, and head nod. Thanks to Section 24220 of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, NHTSA must finalize rules forcing all new passenger vehicles to include “advanced impaired driving prevention technology”—essentially turning your dashboard into a judgment-free zone that’s anything but judgment-free.
The Technology That’s Watching
Infrared cameras and sensors create a constant biometric assessment of driver alertness and sobriety.
The tech involves infrared cameras mounted on steering columns or A-pillars, tracking eye movement, pupil dilation, and drowsiness patterns. Unlike the breathalyzer ignition interlocks from DUI convictions, these systems operate passively—no blowing required. Your car simply watches and decides whether you’re fit to drive.
If the AI determines you’re impaired (blood alcohol ≥0.08% or showing fatigue), it can prevent ignition startup or limit vehicle speed. Think Minority Report, but for your morning commute.
SNIP
(Excerpt) Read more at gadgetreview.com ...
I bought a 2011 Lexus IS350 hard top convertible last year.
It came from Florida and only had 47K miles. I am the second owner. The first owner bought it new at the Lexus dealer in Sarasota.
I am considering buying a 2015 Tacoma with 60K miles on it.
Both of these automobiles have naturally aspirated V6 engines. Putting out over 300HP. Engines and drive trains that will easily go 250K miles.
The politicians can’t wait to gain total control over the way you drive. They want a remote kill switch and the ability for the car to drive itself to the police station if you break a traffic law.
Define “work”. It would absolutely block both the visible and IR sensors from “seeing” anything. The question is “what would the algorithm do with that (lack of) data?”
They never keep convicted criminals in jail. Seems pointless if no punishment for repeat offenders. Just more inconvenience for law abiding citizens.
My primary car is a only about 7 years old Japanese luxury sedan, non turbo V6 fast, good mileage and great driver but its got a few constantly repeating glitches that are becoming extremely annoying and no one can diagnose
Most pre-2005 vehicles don’t have any external connectivity and cannot be turned off or accessed remotely and aren’t that hard to work on—have owned BMWs’ in early 00’s and worked on them myself when neccesary
Many Ford and Chevy models (any with “supercruise”) already have this technology. It’s just not turned on.
So sorry boss. My car says I’m not alert enough to drive this morning...
I we can save just one life it will be worth it.
Just when I thought they could make new vehicles suck anymore.
I have a 2001 BMW 330 that I bought new. Has 150K on it. Mostly analogue dash that looks like a proper dashboard not the annunciator panel on a 747. No stop/start or any of that other digital BS. I call it my “go to the bar car”. Plus, I still think the E46 was the best looking BMW body style ever. Plan to keep it.
I have a 16 Tacoma that’s a 6 speed manual.
Excellent vehicle.
Its good you got a manual. They had problems when they went to the drive by wire electronic shifting on the 2016 & 2017.
Apparently, they eventually corrected the issue.
Then in 2022 they stopped making the V6 engine.
I went to buy a new Tacoma a couple years ago.
That is when I found out they stopped making the V6 engine.
Then I started researching what Tacomas were rated the best. 2015 Double Cab Long bed with a V6 auto is what I am considering. I have found a couple with low mileage.
One is close by. The other is in WV.
I am currently driving a 2012 Double Cab V6 long bed. It has 128K miles. I have replaced the smog pump twice, one ball joint and the gizmo that controls the features on the steering wheel. Front brakes at 92K miles. Just oil and gas. other than that. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Including the two previous Tacomas(88 & 99).
Hand held laser light should take care of the camera lens with a dab of paint for that extra touch.
I think you answered your own question. The software would almost certainly treat the covering up of the camera the same as being wild-ass drunk and shut the car down.
BTW, I don't support this Big-Brotherism.
Only temporarily. I imagine that if the sensors can’t sensor they will prevent the car from operating.
Another fine gift from FJB and the fascist dumblecrats...
The best solution is to not buy this crap. [Or maybe some enterprising garage can figure out how to make the car run without it...they will be rich!]
Tape, electricians.
We have one of those? Wouldn't know it.
Can you even imagine the response if we demanded congressional reps and senators must use this tech first for a minimum of one year before deciding whether it should be considered by the public?
Guilty until proven innocent.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.