Senate advances bill to ban connected vehicle tech from foreign adversaries including China and Russia

Lawmakers pushed forward legislation to prohibit connected vehicle technology from certain countries from entering the U.S. market.

On July 22, 2026, the Senate Commerce Committee passed the Connected Vehicle Security Act (S. 4429).

Senate Advances Bill To Battle “Predatory” Vehicle Tech

The bill, introduced in late April by Senators Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), seeks to protect the American automotive market from “predatory” connected vehicle technologies crafted by foreign adversaries.

Specifically, the bill would prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale, and resale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, including those from joint ventures or entities under their control.

The bill would create compliance procedures, binding rulings, and civil penalties to enforce the connected vehicle technology restrictions.

Connected Vehicle Tech Ban To Enhance National Security & Manufacturing: Lawmakers

Lawmakers say that passing the bill is important from a national security and highway safety standpoint.

According to the text of the bill, “the access, control, or influence of vehicle connectivity systems or automated driving systems by foreign adversaries creates substantial economic and national security risks to the United States, including risks of surveillance, espionage, cyber intrusion, and disruption of critical infrastructure.”

The Connected Vehicle Security Act also supports American manufacturers, by curbing the effects of “unfair Chinese competition,” lawmakers say.

Truckers Say Bill Would Ban Chinese LIDAR In Driverless Semis

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) supports the bill.

The group pointed out that “Chinese LiDAR systems currently utilized by driverless semi-trucks on American roadways” would be restricted if the bill passes into law.

“OOIDA members, nearly 40% of whom are military veterans, care deeply about both roadway safety and national security. It’s unfathomable that 80,000 lb. driverless commercial vehicles currently operating on American roadways rely upon technology from a global adversary for navigation. That’s why OOIDA and the nearly 150,000 small-business truckers we represent applaud the Committee for passing the Connected Vehicle Security Act and we thank Senator Moreno and Senator Slotkin for their leadership on this legislation. Currently, autonomous systems put Americans, their vehicles, and their personal privacy at risk given so many critical unanswered questions related to cybersecurity, operational safety, and data transparency. The safest operator of an 80,000 lb. commercial vehicle on America’s roadways is a well-trained, professional, human truck driver,” said Todd Spencer, OOIDA President.