Las Vegas NowNew Auto Tracking Law

New Auto Tracking Law

Would you want to know if your vehicle's performance is being recorded when you speed, brake or crash? Many people are aware when they buy a new car with those OnStar type features. But a new law went into effect Monday to ensure that driver's know their actions are being recorded.

Larry Crissom likes the new Nevada law. He says, "I would definitely want to have it disclosed before I bought the car." Crissom wants to know if he buys a car with an auto-recording device installed, like the OnStar system. It's often called the black box for vehicles and records speed, seatbelt use and brake performance in the event there was an accident. Now a new state law requires vehicle owner's manual to have that information inside.

Crissom says, "If it's a recording device I think it's something that should be disclosed at the time of purchase. A recording device could be used to prosecute you in a court of law actually because it's recording speeds and different things."

The Cadillac STS and XLR are already in compliance with the state law by having the information disclosed in the owner's manual. And car dealers say off camera that of course they inform customers of the OnStar system in the car.

The OnStar system, of course, is a benefit to drivers if they are lost. The global positioning device will get the driver help, especially in a 911 situation. But some drivers like Crissom still feel it has a Big-Brother-is-watching type of feel, and don't want the system in their car.

Larry Crissom says, "Cell phones are so common now that they can pretty much, in an emergency, they can also call rescue and that, too."

The OnStar tracking system is available on more than 50 General Motors models, including the Hummer, Saturn and the Saab.

Contact Reporter Cindy Cesare