- Washington State is considering a new bill that would let would-be suspended drivers keep driving.
- The drivers would have to agree to have their cars equipped with a speed-limiting device.
- If it passes, Washington would be the second state to allow such an alternative to speeding drivers.
Between 2019 and 2024, Washington State saw a 200 percent increase in speeding tickets for driving 50 mph or more above the limit. That’s according to Shelly Baldwin of the state’s traffic safety commission. To reduce speeds, the state now has a new plan to allow speeders to keep driving so long as they agree to an in-car speed limiter.
Those with a suspended license could continue to drive with a “speed-restricted” license if House Bill 1596 passes. The tech would use GPS to limit vehicle speed to whatever the posted speed limit is. Drivers would have the ability to override the limiter three times each month but could be subject to additional punishment for doing so. It further penalizes anyone who might tamper with the speed-limiting tech with a misdemeanor.
More: California Is One Step Away From Requiring Speeding Alerts In New Cars
The bill takes into account the fact that many who have a suspended driver’s license drive anyway. “According to the American Motor Vehicle Administration, more than 70 percent of people with suspended licenses continue to drive during the suspension period. By leveraging technology to enable individuals to continue driving and prevent speeding, the legislature intends to enhance road safety to promote safer driving habits and keep the public safe,” says the bill.
It’s worth noting that we’re talking about active speed limiters here. That means that rather than simply sounding a warning or something similar, these limiters will prevent a driver from exceeding a set speed based on programming. As the Washington Standard points out, the local traffic state commission wants that kind of tech in every car regardless of who the driver is.
It’s unclear if those currently suspended would have access to the program should the law pass. Those convicted of driving at 20 mph or more over the limit after the fact would potentially have access to the agreement given other provisions are met. Should the bill pass, Washington will follow the state of Virginia in offering such an alternative to speeders.