A PROPOSED new law could see certain drivers required to install a device in their vehicles that controls their speed.
If approved, this road rule could see the state monitor motorists’ driving.
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The bill, which is expected to be signed into law next week, relates to drivers previously convicted of excessive speeding.
This legislation targets “egregious speeders,” such as repeat offenders and reckless drivers.
House Bill 1596 is set to be brought into Washington state and has already passed both the House and Senate.
It is scheduled to be signed into law on Monday, May 12.
State Rep. Mari Leavitt, the bill’s primary sponsor, spoke about the incident that inspired the legislation.
A crash in Renton, located just over 12 miles outside of Seattle, in 2024 saw a 17-year-old driver speed through an intersection, colliding with another vehicle, killing a mother and three children.
Two other children were injured in the deadly collision.
“These are targeted to the most egregious speeders—think repeat offenders,” Leavitt said.
“It’s a proven technology that’s been used in a lot of different areas, including Europe, and the data shows it slows people down—literally and figuratively—because you simply can’t go faster than it allows.”
The legislation would require individuals to install an Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) device if they have been convicted of reckless driving or have at least three moving violations, including one for speeding.
This device limits the vehicle’s speed and reports data to authorities, with the Washington State Department of Licensing overseeing the program.
The process aims to reduce serious crashes by giving law enforcement and the courts a new tool to prevent dangerous driving.
“It seems like a good idea,” said Sid Santiano, a local worker, told CBS affiliate Kiro-TV.
“The faster you go, the harder it is to avoid people.
“It’s better to keep people capped if they’re trying to speed somewhere.”
New driving laws in 2025
Drivers across the United States are having to adjust to a slew of new road rules that take effect in 2025. Some of those include:
However, another Washington resident, who said he also opposes speeding, said he believes the bill doesn’t address the root cause.
“The government should have no control over our personal property,” he said.
“It doesn’t stop someone from stealing another car and speeding again.
“Punishing offenders appropriately the first time would be a smarter approach.”
Drivers required to use the ISA who are caught operating a vehicle without the device could face up to $5,000 in fines and potential jail time, Leavitt explained.
“There will be consequences—pretty severe consequences—if they choose to drive without a speed limiter,” she said.
“And it applies to any vehicle they drive, not just their own.”
If the bill is signed into law, it’s expected to take effect no later than January 1, 2029.
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