A New Approach to Combating Speed Violators
The New York government plans to implement innovative technology to limit the speed of vehicles for drivers who systematically violate the rules. This initiative involves the installation of special devices that control a car’s speed.
Key Details of the Proposal
Technological Intervention Instead of Punishment
For many years, drivers convicted of driving under the influence have been required to install ignition interlock devices—systems that block the engine from starting without a clean breath sample. This is a direct way to link responsibility with access, a reminder that technology can enforce compliance where human judgment fails.
In the near future, New York may adopt a similar approach for speed violators, introducing a device designed to force chronic offenders to slow down. According to the new proposal, repeat offenders may soon find their vehicles physically incapable of exceeding the set limit.
The Law to Stop Super Speeders
The “Stop Super Speeders Act,” initiated by State Senator Andrew Gounardes, would require the installation of an intelligent speed assistance device if a driver accumulates 11 or more points on their driving record within 24 months, or if they receive 16 speeding or red-light tickets within 12 months.
The device is placed on the dashboard and uses GPS to recognize posted speed limits, restricting the car’s speed to 5 mph above the set limit, regardless of how hard the driver presses the gas pedal. The system includes a certain number of allowed overrides for emergencies.
Senator Gounardes notes that offenders will be responsible for the cost of the device, estimated at approximately $1,000. The bill was recently passed in the Senate, and if approved by the Assembly and then the governor, it could initially apply to 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles in the state.
We estimate that initially, this would likely apply to approximately 3,000–4,000 vehicles, but they are also the most dangerous cars on our roads right now.
Focusing on this tiny minority of very dangerous drivers makes the road much safer for all of us. I believe that if this happens to you, and your car suddenly—you have to have this limiting technology on your car for six months or a year, you will start changing your habits because you realize that what you are doing is beyond acceptable.
Resistance to the New Rules
Not everyone supports this proposal. Some legislators believe the technology adds another level of government surveillance, while others have expressed concerns about potential loopholes, such as if a driver simply switches to a vehicle without the installed device.
The implementation of such technologies could be a significant step in the global trend of reducing speed-related traffic accidents. The experience of other countries suggests that automated control systems can significantly influence driver behavior, especially among those prone to systematic violations. However, the success of such initiatives will depend not only on the technical side but also on public perception and drivers’ readiness for changes in traffic regulation.