California Proposes Speed-Limiter Bill for New Cars
California State Senator Scott Wiener has introduced a groundbreaking bill aimed at reducing traffic fatalities by imposing speed limitations on new vehicles. The proposed legislation, titled the Speeding and Fatality Emergency Reduction on California Streets (SAFER California Streets), targets vehicles built or sold in California from the 2027 model year onward.
The bill, SB 961, proposes that these new cars and trucks be equipped with "intelligent speed limiter systems" to electronically cap speeds at no more than 10 mph over the state's maximum speed limit. In California, where the highest posted speed limit is 70 mph, this would effectively restrict vehicles to a top speed of 80 mph.
Exemptions and Control Measures The legislation would exempt emergency vehicles from the speed limiter technology. Additionally, the bill contains provisions that would allow drivers to temporarily disable the speed limiter in certain unspecified circumstances. Full deactivation of the system, however, seems to be reserved mainly for authorized emergency vehicles, with the California Highway Patrol Commissioner holding discretionary power for such actions.
Rationale and Statistics Senator Wiener asserts that this measure is not an overreach but a necessary step to curb the increasing number of traffic fatalities. Citing statistics from TRIP, a national transportation research group, traffic-related deaths in California have risen by 22% from 2019 to 2022. Furthermore, a report by U.C. Berkeley's SafeTREC highlights a 30% increase in speeding-related deaths in California between 2017 and 2021, compared to a near 24% national increase.
Potential Impact If passed, SB 961 would position California as the first state in the U.S. to mandate speed-limiting devices in vehicles. This pioneering move could set a precedent for other states to follow, potentially transforming road safety measures across the country.
Senator Wiener's bill opens a significant discussion on the balance between vehicle autonomy and safety regulations, reflecting an evolving approach to traffic management and fatality prevention in the era of advanced automotive technology. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will likely ignite debates on its practicality, effectiveness, and implications for driver freedom and responsibility.