Cars Must Record Driving Data Starting in 2014

Black boxes will be installed in every automobile manufactured after September 1, 2014

Automobiles manufactured after September 1, 2014 must have an electronic data collection device that stores driving information for federal investigators. The US Department of Transportation earlier this month published its proposed rule mandating the installation of event data recorders (EDRs) or black boxes in cars, insisting the devices are meant for crash investigation purposes, and not for invading privacy.

"By understanding how drivers respond in a crash and whether key safety systems operate properly, NHTSA and automakers can make our vehicles and our roadways even safer," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. "This proposal will give us the critical insight and information we need to save more lives."