Democrat Lawmakers Want to Install Speed-Limiting Devices in All Cars

Democrat lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would force drivers to install speed-limiting devices in their cars.

House Bill 1596 was proposed by Washington state lawmakers in response to an increase in fatal accidents caused by speeding.

Foxnews.com reports: The device limits the speed of the car using GPS technology. These drivers could exceed the speed limit up to three times a month.

Drivers would have the device on their car if they have a new restricted license established by the bill. This is similar to how ignition interlock devices are used for people with a history of drunken driving.

Drivers would also receive the device during the probation period after their license was suspended for racing or “excessive speeding,” which is defined as driving at least 20 mph over the limit. Drivers could also be ordered by a court to have a speed-limiting device on their car.

“We’re losing Washingtonians and family members are losing loved ones unnecessarily, tragically and preventably,” Democrat state Rep. Mari Leavitt, a prime sponsor of the bill, said.

“These aren’t accidents,” she added. “They’re intentionally folks choosing behavior that is harming and often killing folks.”

According to data in 2023 from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, one in three fatal crashes in the state involved a speeding driver. The total number of fatal crashes and the number involving speeding has been trending upward since 2019.

“Between 2019 and 2024, tickets to speeding drivers in excess of 50 miles an hour over the speed limit increased by 200%,” the commission’s Shelly Baldwin testified. “So we know that this is an increasing problem that we’ve been dealing with.”

Republican state Rep. Gloria Mendoza questioned how the bill helps keep people safe by allowing speeders to continue driving.

“So we’re trying to help them get back their license by giving them this tool,” Mendoza said. “So how is this helping save lives?”

Leavitt responded: “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 has not yet been scheduled for a vote out of committee.