California Outlaws ‘Defeat Devices’ That Trick Cars into Self-driving

A new California law bans drivers from using “defeat devices” to trick driver assistance systems, reports Greg Poggiali for Jalopnik.

The law specifically applies to Level 2 systems like Tesla’s Autopilot and Ford’s BlueCruise. “These typically combine adaptive cruise control with lane centering all while still requiring the driver to be ready and alert to take over.” The cars use driver monitoring systems to ensure drivers are paying attention.

Defeat devices are anything from steering wheel weights to camera blockers that are meant to bypass the DMS. As Poggiali notes, “It's the technological equivalent of putting a brick on the gas pedal, but possibly with the same consequences.” The law bans any device “specifically designed for, marketed for, or being used for, neutralizing, disabling, or otherwise interfering with a driver monitoring system.”

Poggiali adds that while the law is well intentioned, it will likely be difficult to spot the devices and fine their drivers. However, the law could “change things like sentencing during other traffic violations or even crash investigations, some of which can include negligent homicide charges.”