WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-02) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) introduced the Safe Vehicle Access for Survivors Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, abuse, harassment, and stalking from being tracked and intimidated through internet-connected vehicle services.
The growing use of connected vehicle technology—which collects and shares significant amounts of driver data—has created a dangerous loophole that abusers exploit to monitor, stalk, and harass their victims. Survivors often remain vulnerable even after securing protective orders because vehicle manufacturers have no clear process to revoke an abuser’s access to these tracking features. The Safe Vehicle Access for Survivors Act establishes a process for survivors to request the termination or disabling of connected vehicle services that could be misused by abusers, ensuring their safety and confidentiality without imposing additional burdens on them.
“Survivors of abuse shouldn’t have to choose between their safety and their ability to drive a car,” said Rep. Crenshaw. “Right now, an abuser can track a survivor’s vehicle through a manufacturer’s app, even after a court has granted them sole use of the car. That’s unacceptable. Data privacy standards must be updated to keep pace with the increasing volume of data collection. Our bill makes sure survivors can cut off their abuser’s access to connected vehicle services, giving them the freedom to move without fear.”
“As cars become increasingly connected, we must ensure we’re keeping up with the technology to protect survivors from those who take advantage of it as a tool of abuse and control,” Dingell said. “I will work tirelessly with my colleagues in Congress and all stakeholders – including auto companies, law enforcement, survivor advocacy organizations, and technology companies – to protect and create a safer environment for survivors, free from abuse.”
Survivors of domestic violence often rely on personal vehicles as a critical tool for safety and independence, whether to escape a dangerous situation, seek medical care, or maintain employment. The Safe Vehicle Access for Survivors Act ensures that survivors can regain control over their mobility without legal or bureaucratic obstacles, preventing abusers from weaponizing connected car features against them.
See a summary of the bill here. See the full bill text here.