Washington state lawmakers propose requiring speed limiting devices in cars of drivers with speeding history
The Washington state legislature has introduced a bill that would mandate drivers with a history of speeding to install a speed limiting device on their cars. House Bill 1596 aims to address the rise in fatal accidents attributed to speeding. The proposal was discussed in the House Transportation Committee and would necessitate an “intelligent speed assistance device” in the vehicles of certain drivers.
The device employs GPS technology to restrict the car’s speed according to the speed limit of the area being driven. Drivers subject to this requirement could exceed the speed limit up to three times per month. Those with a new restricted license, established by the bill, would be obligated to have the device installed on their vehicles, similar to how ignition interlock devices are utilized for individuals with a history of drunk driving.
Furthermore, drivers could also receive the device during the probationary period following the suspension of their license for racing or driving at least 20 miles per hour over the speed limit, categorized as “excessive speeding.” Courts could also mandate drivers to have a speed-limiting device on their cars.
State Rep. Mari Leavitt, a Democrat and one of the bill’s primary sponsors, emphasized the necessity of the legislation by stating, “We’re losing Washingtonians, and family members are losing loved ones unnecessarily, tragically and preventably. These aren’t accidents. They’re intentionally folks choosing behavior that is harming and often killing folks.”
According to data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, one in three fatal crashes in the state involved a speeding driver in 2023. The total number of fatal crashes, as well as those involving speeding, has been on the rise since 2019.
Shelly Baldwin from the commission testified, “Between 2019 and 2024, tickets to speeding drivers in excess of 50 miles an hour over the speed limit increased by 200%. So we know that this is an increasing problem that we’ve been dealing with.”
Republican state Rep. Gloria Mendoza raised concerns about the efficacy of the bill in promoting safety by allowing speeders to continue driving. She questioned, “So we’re trying to help them get back their license by giving them this tool. So how is this helping save lives?”
In response, Leavitt defended the bill’s intent, stating, “We want to find a way for them to be able to drive lawfully, but safely. And having them on the road in a safe manner is going to save lives because they’re driving anyway, and they’re driving fast. And this device, these speed limiters, are going to ensure that they can’t.”
The bill is pending a vote out of committee and has not yet been scheduled for further action. It remains to be seen how this proposed legislation will impact road safety and driving behavior in Washington state.
