Article from: www.thenewspaper.com/news/02/285.asp
3/27/2005
North Dakota: Legislation Targets Auto Black Boxes
North Dakota legislator introduces bill requiring the disclosure of black box installations to car buyers.
North Dakota Republican State Senator Ray Holmberg wants you to know whether your car is spying on you. He's introduced legislation requiring automakers to disclose the presence of a black box to new car buyers and prohibiting the use of the data in court without a court order. The bill passed the state house last Wednesday.
Automotive black boxes can record data on driving habits and possibly be used against a driver involved in a collision. "When I bought my car I didn't realize I was also buying a highway patrolman to sit in the back seat," Holmberg said.
California already requires black box disclosure. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and West Virginia are considering similar legislation.
Article Excerpt:According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 15 percent of vehicles - or about 30 million cars and trucks - have black boxes. About 65 percent to 90 percent of 2004 cars and trucks have them, according to the NHTSA.
Source: Motorists fume over 'black box' (Associated Press, 3/26/2005)
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