Driver monitoring systems for drunk driving prevention: U.S. and EU updates

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted down an amendment that would have restricted funding for federal requirements to implement driver monitoring systems inside vehicles. These in-cabin monitoring technologies are being discussed as a way to combat drunk driving.

The specific format of the system remains undetermined. Previously considered options included universal breathalyzers and ignition interlocks, but such solutions have been criticized as overly intrusive. Methods that assess alcohol levels from cabin air have also been mentioned, though they risk being triggered by passengers.

Against this backdrop, industry and regulators are increasingly leaning toward using in-cabin cameras that track head and eye movements. Similar systems are already employed in vehicles with driving assistants to monitor driver attention.

The monitoring requirement stems from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021. The article also notes that in the European Union, similar regulations are set to take effect for new models from July, with mandatory in-cabin cameras planned for vehicles registered after July 2026. The EU expects the technology to become widespread by 2029, and Euro NCAP intends to factor such systems into its safety ratings.