What is a black box in a car?
6 minute read Published on Oct 20, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications
When you hear the term "black box," your mind probably thinks of airplanes. But did you know your vehicle may have its own black box? In the world of cars, a black box refers to a device that collects data about your vehicle's performance levels, especially in the moments leading up to a car accident.
The official name of a car's black box is an Event Data Recorder (EDR), and they're becoming more readily available in modern cars (vehicles manufactured after 2012). Their purpose? To reshape the way collisions are investigated, how insurance claims are handled, and how liability is determined.
Although Transport Canada supports the installation of event data recorders in new cars to improve road safety, consumers who are aware of these black boxes are raising privacy concerns. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what vehicle black boxes are, what kind of data they record, who owns this data, and how these devices will affect you as a Canadian motorist.
Everything you need to know about car black boxes
When we're talking about a car black box, we're really talking about an Event Data Recorder (EDR). Car black boxes work similarly to how they do in the aviation industry, by collecting data moments before, during, and after a crash. This black box data is crucial in understanding how and why a collision occurred.
You can think of these Event Data Recorders as an invisible passenger in your vehicle. Typically, they're located in a vehicle's airbag control module or powertrain system and are designed to be extremely durable using crash-resistant materials and to activate only under specific conditions, which is usually during crash-like events.
For example, your car's black box won't record you as you drive under normal driving conditions. It will only collect car accident data if, let's say, your airbag deploys.
What kind of black box data is recorded?
Event Data Recorders collect several types of data that encompass a vehicle's performance and driver behaviours. Specifically, a car black box records the following valuable information:
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Vehicle speed: Measures the speed of a vehicle before and after a crash, specifically if there is a rapid change in the vehicle's acceleration.
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Braking: Records whether brakes were applied by the driver and the intensity of the braking.
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Seatbelt usage: Determines whether the driver and front passenger were using their seatbelts at the crash.
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Throttle position: Indicates how much the accelerator was pressed by the driver, which can indicate what the driver's intent was before the crash event occurred.
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Airbag deployment: Captures when airbags were deployed and how forcefully.
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Engine RPM: Indicates how quickly the engine was spinning before the motor vehicle accident.
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Steering input: This data shows how the steering wheel was positioned and if any changes were made to the lane departure warning system.
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ABS and stability control activity: Notes whether anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control were used to avoid a loss of control of the vehicle.
Black box data is recorded on a loop. The only time this data is stored is when a certain threshold is met. For example, if you suddenly stop your vehicle, your airbags deploy. In this case, the black box records between five to ten seconds before the airbag deployment. The data collected is then stored on the Event Data Recorder.
One thing to mention is that black box data isn't stored forever. Data stored on the black box can be overwritten if another triggering event occurs before the data is extracted to an external source.
Black box information: who has the right to the data a black box records?
According to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) of Canada, black box data belongs to the vehicle owner, which means you have a legal right to access and distribute the data recorded. When it comes to third parties looking to obtain black box data following a car accident, there are a couple of things you need to be aware of:
Law enforcement agencies
You can choose to provide law enforcement with the data recorded from your Event Data Recorder. Otherwise, they will need to obtain a warrant to obtain access to this information.
Insurance companies
If, following a car accident, you file a claim with your insurance company, they may ask you to submit your black box data, as it can serve as valuable evidence when determining who is at fault, especially if more than one driver is involved. However, you need to consent to giving the insurer access to your black box information.
Transport Canada has shared guidelines for using EDRs in heavy commercial trucks, but there are no specific laws or federal regulations for regular passenger vehicles at this time.
In the United States, black box standards in light passenger vehicles are federally regulated under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Similarly, as of July 6, 2022, black boxes are now mandatory for new car models sold in the European Union, with regulations that specifically focus on black box data privacy.
Are black boxes mandatory in Canada?
Again, black boxes are not mandatory in Canada. However, most modern cars manufactured after 2012 do have these devices installed. In fact, as of 2017, 99.6% of new light vehicles sold in North America came equipped with black box recording devices. Specifically, vehicle manufacturers like General Motors, Toyota, Ford, and Honda have included these devices in all of their modern vehicles.
So, how do you know if your own car has a black box installed? The first place you can check is your owner's manual under the airbag section. If you're unable to locate any information in this document, contact your dealership for more information. As a last resort, you can contact your vehicle manufacturer directly.
The role of event data recorders and car insurance
Black box data can play a major role in accident reconstruction and insurance claims, where investigators determine who's at fault, given that the data recorded includes moments before and after the collision occurred. Key takeaways:
For law enforcement
For law enforcement, accident reconstruction can be complex. But, with this data available, technicians can verify driver statements (including what the other driver says), estimate vehicle speed, assess vehicle braking patterns, GPS locations, and compare these results to eyewitness statements.
For insurance companies
Your insurance company can also greatly benefit from accessing this information. Not only can it validate claims, but it can also help prevent insurance fraud and help price premiums for certain vehicle models, based on data performance levels.
The future
Although most cars manufactured in North America after 2012 have a black box installed, with newer models becoming more connected than ever, the value of the data is becoming even more important. Nonetheless, because Canada's legal system hasn't taken a formal stance on black box data, it's up to them and Transport Canada to establish regulations encompassing these devices.
Is your privacy at risk?
According to a 2023 poll by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Canadians continue to be concerned about their privacy, with 93% reporting some level of concern. This is partly due to evolving technologies, misconceptions disseminated online, and other factors. Detailed discussion of each concern follows:
Common misconceptions
A common myth about black boxes is that they track your location or record video footage as you operate your motor vehicle. This is false. Black boxes do not record your location, audio, or video, and they only activate during specific events like a car crash.
Concerns about privacy
What Canadians are currently concerned about regarding privacy:
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Most Canadians aren't aware that their car features a black box, which proves a lack of transparency within the automotive industry.
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As there are no regulations involving the access of data, concerns that anyone could access your data come into play.
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As vehicles become more connected, the threat of hacking or unauthorized access increases.
Contact BrokerLink today!
Event Data Recorders (EDRs) play a vital role in accident reconstruction, insurance claims, and vehicle safety standards. That said, they also raise a concern about personal data privacy and data ownership.
Although these recording devices are present in most cars today, there remains a lack of concrete laws in Canada in terms of black box installations or access, which leaves a concerning gap in terms of consumer protection. Ultimately, an increase in transparency, better privacy protocols, and formal legislation are essential as cars become more technologically advanced and connected.
At BrokerLink, we help Canadians purchase affordable car insurance. With access to numerous types of auto insurance from some of Canada's top providers, our experienced brokers can help you acquire full coverage solutions, including:
To work with us, contact BrokerLink directly over the phone or use our online quote tool to get a free, competitive insurance quote at any time!
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FAQs about vehicle black boxes
Can black box data be used in court?
Yes, if the data is obtained legally, or if you consent to giving access to this information, your black box data can be submitted into court as evidence.
Does the black box track my location?
No, your black box does not track your location, audio, or video.
How long does my car's black box store data?
It depends on your vehicle. Some black boxes can store data for up to 30 days, while others may store information for longer.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.