

There Auto Be A Law
Center for Auto Safety
A discussion on auto safety issues and technological developments, in hopes of providing consumers and enthusiasts with a better understanding of modern vehicles, safety systems, and current issues in the auto industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
Everything you wanted to know about rear view cameras
Fred's out this week. Phil Koopman is in and he educates Anthony on the complexity of rear view cameras. It's all about the Benjamin's. Mainly it's a cost thing, Plus recalls.Donate for safety!https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2025/09/22/new-nhtsa-head-looks-forward-to-unleashing-american-innovation/https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-reports-sharp-drop-traffic-fatalities-first-half-2025https://insideevs.com/news/773202/volvo-ex90-software-issues/https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V607-6198.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V595-0339.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V615-0768.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V611-3314.pdf

Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 7min
Self driving trucks, Tesla's and trains and let's end arbitration
Texas lawmakers are starting to re-think the whole no regulations for self driving trucks thing. Tesla's can't see railroad crossing's and NHTSA is investigating the electronic door handles. Plus recalls.Support the show!https://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/2025/09/14/driverless-semis-are-taking-over-texas-roads-but-regulations-struggle-to-keep-pace/https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/electric-cars/tesla-doors-probed-by-us-regulator-after-trapping-occupants/ar-AA1MEnakhttps://arstechnica.com/cars/2025/09/flush-door-handles-are-the-car-industrys-latest-safety-problem/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/elon-musk/tesla-full-self-driving-fails-train-crossings-drivers-warn-railroad-rcna225558https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/a-strange-gas-pumping-defect-is-making-100-000-corvettes-go-up-in-flames-61d86797https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-johnson-sen-blumenthal-re-introduce-legislation-end-forced-0https://www.msn.com/en-us/public-safety-and-emergencies/traffic-and-transportation-incidents/waymo-2-other-vehicles-in-deadly-crash-near-asu-tempe/ar-AA1MxNW2https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/ev-sports-cars-sound-mercedes-porsche-ferrari-bmw-24cb5774https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V577-7766.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V568-9748.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V585-0759.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V582-6308.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V592-2459.pdf

Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 10min
Does your AV need a windsheild? And do you need shoes?
Reality TV personality and head of the DOT updates autonomous vehicle regulations to, um, stop our adversaries. BMW and Qualcomm team up for some word soup, Anthony wants a grappler, Tesla spouts nonsense and ARK investments laps it up plus more rear view cameras get recalled.Donate for freedom! And because it's good for you.https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/av-framework-plan-modernize-safety-standardshttps://arstechnica.com/cars/2025/09/polestar-unveils-electric-gt-rival-to-the-porsche-taycan/https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/more-localities-look-at-speed-from-a-pedestrians-point-of-viewhttps://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/american-driving-survey.htmlhttps://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/would-you-trust-ai-to-tighten-your-seatbelt-volvo-thinks-you-should/ar-AA1M1V2uhttps://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/https://electrek.co/2025/09/03/tesla-moves-robotaxi-safety-monitor-passenger-drivers-seat/https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/tesla-s-addictive-fsd-60-of-luxury-owners-can-t-drive-without-it/ar-AA1LQlfPhttps://www.jalopnik.com/1959117/gm-patent-gets-old-dangerous-drivers-off-the-road/https://boingboing.net/2025/09/04/watch-high-tech-police-tool-leaves-car-thief-stranded-without-rear-wheels.htmlhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V572-7322.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V576-7079.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V559-3549.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V556-1642.pdf

Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 6min
Tesla's data problem, rental car safety and police chases
We dig more into Tesla "hiding" data from their owners and gently ask Tesla's software engineers to not be sociopaths and end this practice. Is your rental car safe? Is Waymo delusion for trying to move into New York City? Is Ford going to recall all the cars? That and more in this weeks episode.Donate to support the show.https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/08/29/tesla-autopilot-crashes-evidence-testimony-wrongful-death/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/08/31/park-police-car-chases/https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/man-escapes-car-fire-while-214614761.htmlhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherelliott/2025/08/30/why-your-rental-car-might-not-be-as-safe-as-you-think/https://insideevs.com/news/770586/waymo-tesla-robotaxi-wars-ev/https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67ee365c25e6530594bd40c2/683d8d2fa60ac22d542b1049_Securing%20American%20Leadership%20in%20Autonomous%20Vehicles1.pdfhttps://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/hot-car-childrens-deaths-continue-while-washington-does-nothing-082725.htmlhttps://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/driver-raises-concern-spotting-dangerous-140000063.htmlhttps://nypost.com/2025/09/03/us-news/waymo-has-to-confront-aggressive-drivers-and-jaywalkers-in-nyc/https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V552-6972.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V546-2755.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V541-7747.pdf

Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 8min
Subscribe to this podcast or subscribe to your car?
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems require human intervention or drivers in other cars need to better? VW has a ridiculous idea - make people pay a subscription fee to use the full capabilities of their car. Fred exposes ChatGPT has a nonsense machine, Elon Musk spouts more nonsense and we cover the latest in recalls.Donate!https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/08/27/upshot/ev-vs-gas-calculator.htmlhttps://arstechnica.com/cars/2025/08/study-shows-which-vehicles-pollute-the-least-in-every-us-county/https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/08/active-driving-assistance/https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/subaru-owners-see-value-in-driver-attention-systemhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62weyp4qqgohttps://www.msn.com/en-za/cars/general/unfair-competition-worries-about-european-road-safety-after-eu-us-trade-agreement/ar-AA1LbIUihttps://electrek.co/2025/08/19/tesla-loses-bid-to-kill-class-action-over-misleading-customers-on-self-driving-capabilities-for-years/https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/tesla-faces-new-federal-probe-into-delayed-accident-reporting-082225.htmlhttps://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-rejects-uber-ceo-s-call-for-multi-sensor-self-driving-systems-that-s-why-waymos-can-t-drive-on-highways/ar-AA1L9ziOhttps://www.popsci.com/science/what-is-safest-seat-in-car/https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V527-9228.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V533-9341.pdfhttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V536-9882.pdf

Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 6min
Mike Nelson Returns: Unpacking Auto Safety Challenges
Mike Nelson from Nelson Law joins the discussion, tackling the alarming issue of traffic fatalities, which exceed 40,000 annually despite safety advancements. He sheds light on four key contributors: speed, distraction, impairment, and vehicle weight. The conversation dives into the technological challenges of auto safety, data ownership rights, and the intricate legal landscape around emergency braking systems. With compelling insights, Mike urges a reevaluation of societal attitudes toward driving safety, emphasizing collaboration between lawyers and engineers for better solutions.

Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 4min
Zoox, Tesla and Waymo. Oh my.
Zoox gains a regulatory exemption for its unique robotaxis, paving the way for innovative transport solutions. The risks of hacking cars via tire pressure monitors highlight vulnerabilities in vehicle security. Waymo's user agreements raise eyebrows with legal complexities over liability. Meanwhile, Tesla's transparency struggles come into play as regulators seek critical information about its robo-taxis. The discussion also touches on vehicle recalls and the quirky nuances of automotive standards in the U.S. and Canada, all wrapped in humor and industry insights.

Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 7min
Tesla lies, coverups and expanded nonsense
A recent court case reveals Tesla's attempts to withhold critical data related to autopilot crashes, raising ethical concerns about safety. The episode dives into hazardous software designs and Elon Musk's bold future claims. It also addresses alarming issues of sexual misconduct in ride-sharing services and the minimal impact of autonomous vehicles on safety. Lastly, hear a sobering comparison of traffic fatalities to historical tragedies, alongside a roundup of troubling car recalls and calls for better accountability in the automotive industry.

Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 7min
Kissing Tesla's Butt and the end of the EPA
The hosts dive into the EPA's controversial move to ease environmental regulations, posing questions about auto safety. They poke fun at Ford's ongoing struggles with quality and explore the dangers looming over cyclist safety in Toronto. The discussion also critiques the complexities of regulating autonomous vehicles, revealing gaps in safety standards. A humorous take on Tesla's latest offerings rounds out the conversation, providing insights into the ever-evolving landscape of urban mobility and automotive legislation.

Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 8min
Tesla on trial, Rollerskates and Robo Taxis
The podcast dives into troubling allegations against Tesla over misleading self-driving ads and ongoing legal battles in California. Safety concerns unfold as expert testimonies reveal defects in Tesla's autopilot. Waymo faces scrutiny, with celebrity endorsements failing to mask critical safety data issues. The conversation highlights the importance of vehicle recalls, alcohol detection devices, and the industry's need for rigorous testing, paralleling unsettling trends in autonomous vehicle safety with past NASA missteps.