The invention relates to a system and method for activating a visual control interface, and in particular, for activating a visual control interface using an eye tracking system in a vehicle. A switch is used to activate and deactivate a control section of an eye tracking system in a human-machine interaction control system. The system allows a driver (or operator) of a vehicle to signal the system with selection of the switch to activate or deactivate the control section, thereby providing functional support to the driver when desired, but remaining inconspicuous otherwise.