California Legislation to Protect Domestic Abuse Survivors in Connected Cars

By Dan Levine and Kristina Cooke
(Reuters) – California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill aimed at enhancing protections for domestic abuse survivors in internet-connected vehicles, which may inspire nationwide adoption of similar safeguards.

As automakers increasingly implement advanced technology in their cars, reports of stalking and harassment have emerged, utilizing features like location tracking and remote controls.

The bill received strong bipartisan support in the California state legislature and was signed by Newsom alongside additional measures focused on the protection of domestic violence survivors. Given the widespread manufacturing practices of automakers, these standards might extend beyond California.

Legislative analysts referenced investigations from Reuters and the New York Times, highlighting instances where car manufacturers failed to assist women asserting they were targeted by their partners. In one case, a woman sued Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) after alleging the company did not respond adequately to her reports of her husband’s stalking and harassment, despite her having a restraining order.

The legislation includes several key provisions: automakers must establish a streamlined process for individuals to submit restraining orders, which will require termination of another driver’s remote access within two business days. Additionally, vehicle systems must allow drivers to deactivate location services easily from within the car.

No car manufacturers officially opposed the law. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents many manufacturers, expressed support for the protection of domestic abuse victims but raised concerns regarding the technical feasibility of some requirements. A spokesperson noted ongoing discussions to address these issues in the next legislative session.