California Approves Bill to Limit Speeding with New Technology
California could become the first state to mandate technology in vehicles designed to alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit by 10 miles per hour. The bill’s passage has sparked considerable debate.
Senator Scott Wiener’s bill, introduced earlier this year, initially proposed an “active” speed limiter, which would physically prevent drivers from exceeding the speed limit. However, after some pushback, the bill was amended to require “passive” speed assistance, which provides a warning to the driver when they are speeding. This version requires that all new cars sold in the state, starting with the 2030 model year, include this technology.
Wiener defended the change, stating, “We listened and we heard… Once we looked at the studies, we saw that the passive speed limiter is also highly effective. And so I was comfortable making that change.”
The bill has garnered support from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which stated that “broad deployment of intelligent speed assistance would reduce the frequency of speeding and speeding-related crashes… saving lives and preventing injuries.”
Critics, however, express concerns that the technology may be imperfect, with the potential for “false positives,” especially in areas where speed limits change frequently. Jay Beeber, with the National Motorists Association, expressed concern that the technology would be distracting.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, an industry trade group, also opposes the bill, citing the lack of “clear and visible speed limit signs placed at regular intervals” in the U.S. compared to Europe, where similar passive speed assistance is already mandatory. Karen Bailey-Chapman, with the Specialty Equipment Market Association, described California’s move as “overreach.”
Senator Wiener counters that if the federal government is slow to act, California, as a major market for carmakers, should not wait. He cited the 1960s, when Wisconsin mandated seat belts ahead of the federal government.
The legislation now awaits the signature of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
