According to Montana state legislature, a bill has been drafted to outline the stipulations associated with the collection and usage of event data recorders, or “black boxes” in automobiles.

Originally, the bill known as SB283 sought to make it mandatory for fraud investigators and other officials to get permission from all vehicle owners registered in the state before gaining access to the information on the recorder. The purpose of a black box is to record information that can be useful in reconstructing accidents, much like the ones used on commercial airliners. They can confirm speed and braking patterns, steering performance, and seat belt status, which helps forensic specialists and special investigators expose staged wrecks or other auto insurance scams.

Last month, however, the bill was amended to apply to rental vehicles only. Language in the bill also established that a rental car business is not required to disclose the presence of a data recorder or navigational system if it is only using data to track lost or stolen vehicles. However, if the rental company supplies a vehicle equipped with a global positioning system or black box, they are required to inform the renter of its presence.