Methods and systems for automatically detecting that a driver of a smart vehicle is impaired and subsequently performing a graduated response are provided. According to certain aspects, vehicle sensors may generate and transmit sensor data indicating that the driver of the smart vehicle is impaired. In response, the smart vehicle may analyze the data and determine a primary response to the indication of impairment. The primary response may be performed by the smart vehicle's control systems. Subsequently, the vehicle sensors may generate and transmit another set of sensor data indicating that the driver of the smart vehicle is impaired. In response, the smart vehicle may analyze the data and determine a secondary response to the indication of impairment. The secondary response may be performed by the smart vehicle's control systems.