Washington State is considering a new law that would require speed-limiting devices for drivers with a history of excessive speeding. This proposal, known as House Bill 1596, aims to improve road safety by preventing repeat offenders from exceeding speed limits.
The bill is inspired by Breathalyzer interlock devices, which prevent impaired drivers from starting their vehicles if alcohol is detected. If passed, it would require the installation of Intelligent Speed Limiters (ISL) in vehicles driven by those who have previously had their license suspended for speeding or street racing.
What Are Intelligent Speed Limiters (ISL)?
Intelligent Speed Limiters (ISL) are devices that use GPS technology to determine the speed limit of a given road and restrict the vehicle’s speed accordingly. There are two main types:
- Passive ISL – These issue warnings (such as chimes, vibrations, or accelerator resistance) when a driver exceeds the speed limit but do not force them to slow down.
- Active ISL – These physically prevent a vehicle from exceeding the speed limit, unless the driver manually overrides them. The proposed Washington law would allow only three overrides per month.
Why Is This Law Being Considered?
The bill is named in honor of a mother and two children who were killed by a speeding driver in Renton, Washington. It aims to prevent similar tragedies by ensuring that habitual speeders cannot easily break the law again.
How Washington’s ISL Proposal Differs from Other Regulations
- European Union (EU): Since July 2023, all new cars registered in the EU must have passive ISL as a standard safety feature. These systems alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit but do not actively restrict speed.
- California: In 2024, California lawmakers passed SB 961, which would have required speed warning systems in most new cars. However, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill, partly due to concerns over accuracy and driver frustration.
Unlike these regulations, Washington’s proposed law targets repeat offenders rather than all drivers. It also mandates active speed limiters instead of passive warnings.
Who Would Be Affected?
The law would not apply to all drivers. Instead, it would be enforced only for those who have:
- Had their license suspended due to excessive speeding or street racing.
- Been caught driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit, which is Washington State’s definition of excessive speed.
This measure is similar to Breathalyzer interlocks, which are required for individuals with DUI convictions to regain limited driving privileges.
Concerns and Challenges
While speed limiters could improve road safety, they also raise practical concerns:
- GPS Accuracy Issues – GPS-based systems can be inaccurate by about 16 feet, which can lead to incorrect speed readings, especially near tunnels, tall buildings, or adjacent roads with lower speed limits.
- Driver Frustration – Drivers might find it frustrating if their vehicle incorrectly slows down due to a misread speed limit.
- Override Limitations – With only three overrides per month, drivers may find themselves in difficult situations if they need to temporarily exceed the speed limit for safety reasons (e.g., merging onto a highway).
The Washington State bill represents a bold step toward reducing speeding-related accidents. By focusing on repeat offenders rather than all drivers, it aims to strike a balance between enforcement and fairness.
While concerns exist about GPS accuracy and driver frustration, supporters argue that the safety benefits outweigh the drawbacks. If implemented, this law could serve as a model for other states looking to reduce reckless driving and improve road safety.
FAQ’s
What is House Bill 1596 in Washington State?
House Bill 1596 is a proposed law in Washington State that would require speed-limiting devices in vehicles driven by repeat speeding offenders who have had their licenses suspended for excessive speeding or street racing.
How do Intelligent Speed Limiters (ISL) work?
Intelligent Speed Limiters use GPS to determine the speed limit of a road and either warn the driver (passive ISL) or physically restrict speed (active ISL). Washington’s proposed law would require active ISL, allowing only three manual overrides per month.
Who will be affected by the speed limiter law in Washington?
The law would apply only to drivers who have had their license suspended due to excessive speeding (20 mph over the limit) or street racing. It does not affect all drivers.
Why was a similar bill vetoed in California?
California’s governor vetoed a bill requiring speed warning systems in all new cars due to concerns over GPS inaccuracies and potential driver frustration. Washington’s bill, however, specifically targets repeat offenders.
What are the concerns about mandatory speed limiters?
Concerns include GPS accuracy issues, potential misread speed limits, driver frustration, and limitations on manual overrides, which could impact driving in certain situations.