August 20, 2025 — In response to the Department of Transportation’s Request for Information (RFI) regarding priorities for the next surface transportation reauthorization bill, the American Vehicle Owners Alliance (AVOA) submitted comments urging the Department to prioritize clear federal protections that ensure vehicle owners—individuals, businesses, and public fleets—retain direct access to and control over vehicle-generated data.
AVOA’s comments emphasize the urgent need for vehicle data access and control reform as connected vehicle technologies continue to change the conversation around vehicle data and ownership.
As DOT prepares for the next surface transportation reauthorization, AVOA urges that it reaffirm the core rights of owners across all modes of surface transportation.
The following statement can be attributed to Richard Ward, Executive Director for AVOA:
“Historically, purchasing or leasing a vehicle conferred full control over its use and operation, including access to data generated during normal use. However, connected vehicle technologies have redefined vehicle ownership. Data such as location, mileage, maintenance status, and driver behavior—once physically accessible to the vehicle owner—is increasingly controlled exclusively by automakers.”
“This RFI presents an important opportunity to modernize our federal transportation policies and acknowledge these new technologies, and return ownership back to the consumer. AVOA urges DOT to elevate vehicle data access as a core infrastructure issue and recommend legislative and regulatory solutions that affirm property rights, foster innovation, and promote safety.”