S. 1551 – SCOPE Act | Legislate.dev

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Updated February 8, 2026 at 2:45 AM UTC

The SCOPE Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a safety rule that requires manufacturers of internal‑combustion vehicles with keyless ignition systems to install automatic engine shut‑off devices. The rule must be finalized within two years of the law’s enactment and is intended to prevent carbon‑monoxide poisoning from idling vehicles. It applies to most passenger cars and light trucks, but excludes motorcycles, heavy vehicles over 10,000 lb, and battery‑electric vehicles.

Key Provisions

The Secretary must publish a final rule amending FMVSS 114 within two years, mandating automatic shut‑off systems for keyless‑ignition vehicles with internal combustion engines.
The shut‑off must activate after an idling period the Secretary determines is sufficient to prevent carbon‑monoxide poisoning, with the ability to set different periods for different vehicle types.
The rule becomes effective one year after it is issued.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

May 11, 2021

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

May 11, 2021

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

May 11, 2021

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued May 11, 2021

II

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 1551

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

May 11, 2021

Mr. Blumenthal (for himself, Mrs. Fischer, and Mr. Markey) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

A BILL

To require the Secretary of Transportation to finalize a rule to protect consumers from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning from keyless ignition motor vehicles, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Stop CO Poisoning Exposures Act or the SCOPE Act.

2.

Rulemaking to install automatic shutoff systems in motor vehicles

(a)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Key

The term key has the meaning given the term in section 571.114 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).

(2)

Manufacturer

The term manufacturer has the meaning given the term in section 30102(a) of title 49, United States Code.

(3)

Motor vehicle

(A)

In general

The term motor vehicle has the meaning given the term in section 30102(a) of title 49, United States Code.

(B)

Exclusions

The term motor vehicle does not include—

(i)

a motorcycle or trailer (as those terms are defined in section 571.3 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations) (or successor regulations);

(ii)

any motor vehicle that is rated at more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicular weight; or

(iii)

a battery electric vehicle.

(4)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation.

(b)

Automatic shutoff systems for motor vehicles

(1)

Final rule

(A)

In general

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule amending section 571.114 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 114), to require manufacturers to install in each motor vehicle equipped with a keyless ignition device and an internal combustion engine technology to automatically shut off the motor vehicle after the motor vehicle has idled for the period designated under subparagraph (B).

(B)

Period described

(i)

In general

The period referred to in subparagraph (A) is the period designated by the Secretary as necessary to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

(ii)

Different periods

The Secretary may designate different periods under clause (i) for different types of motor vehicles, depending on the rate at which the motor vehicle emits carbon monoxide, if—

(I)

the Secretary determines a different period is necessary for a type of motor vehicle for purposes of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code; and

(II)

requiring a different period for a type of motor vehicle is consistent with the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning.

(2)

Deadline

The rule under paragraph (1) shall become effective on the date that is 1 year after the date on which the Secretary issues that rule.