California Car Sales on the Line Over Tracking Rules

Automakers say they cannot meet new California rules that let people block tracking of cars used by domestic‑violence victims. The law requires cars to accept proof of a restraining order and stop remote access within two business days. It also wants drivers to shut off location tracking from inside the vehicle. California is the biggest auto market in the United States, with about ten percent of all U. S. car sales coming from the state. If the new rules are kept, manufacturers warn that they may have to stop selling both new and used cars by July 1.

Companies have added an online system to allow people to ask for remote access to be terminated. But they say some parts of the law need more engineering, testing and integration across many models and years. A proposed bill would give them extra time to finish these tasks. The automaker group wants the bill passed and signed by next week so sales do not suffer. The governor’s office has not commented on the issue. Earlier reports showed a woman who sued Tesla because her husband used the car’s technology to stalk her. She claimed the company did not act after she had a restraining order.

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