A New California Bill Could Force All Cars To Have Speed Limiter Devices

By Yosi Yahoudai Founder and Managing Partner

August 20, 2024

Car Accidents

Welcome to the latest entry on the J&Y Law Firm blog, where we discuss the evolving landscape of automotive law and its impact on Californians. In our spotlight today is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that could redefine safety standards for drivers in the Golden State. The discussion underscores the radical approach California is considering in its relentless pursuit of road safety.

This bill, spearheaded by San Francisco-based State Senator Scott Wiener, proposes that all new vehicles, beginning with the 2027 model year, be equipped with intelligent speed limiters. These devices would ensure that vehicles do not exceed more than 10 mph above the speed limit, marking a significant shift in how vehicle speed is regulated on California’s roads. As the first of its kind in the United States, this legislation could set a precedent that other states might follow, signaling a new era in automotive safety.

As legal professionals based in Los Angeles, CA, we at J&Y Law Firm understand the complexities and legal nuances of such a proposal. Our discussion will not only explore the specifics of the bill but also the implications it could have on drivers, the automotive industry, and the legal landscape. From the technology behind intelligent speed limiters to the debates surrounding personal freedom and public safety, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this potential new norm in California driving.

Stay tuned as we navigate through the details of this bill, its background, and what it could mean for you as a California driver. Whether you’re a strong advocate for road safety or concerned about increasing government oversight in personal vehicles, this post is designed to inform and engage.

What New California Bill Could Force All Cars To Have Speed Limiter Devices?

A new California bill, introduced by State Senator Scott Wiener, proposes that new vehicles sold in the state from the 2027 model year should be equipped with “intelligent speed limiters.” These devices would restrict vehicles to no more than 10 miles per hour above the speed limit. A statement also made by Scott Wiener according to news.yahoo.com was “There is no reason for anyone to be going over 100 miles per hour on a public road,” the state senator continued, noting that in 2020, the California Highway Patrol issued more than 3,000 tickets for this precise offense.”The proposed law aims to address the alarming rise in road deaths by preventing excessive speeding. While emergency vehicles would be exempt from this requirement, the California Highway Patrol could authorize the system’s disabling under specific circumstances. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve road safety and follows similar actions in the European Union and pilot programs in places like New York City. The bill also proposes additional safety measures, such as requiring large trucks to be equipped with side guards to prevent severe accidents during collisions.

The legislation has sparked a discussion on road safety versus personal freedom and government overreach. Some see it as a necessary step towards reducing fatal traffic accidents, echoing past safety measures like seatbelt laws, while others view it as excessive government intervention. The bill reflects a growing trend towards using technology to enhance traffic safety, with some vehicles already offering parental controls for speed limits and systems to alert drivers of speed limits.

If the bill passes, California would become the first state to mandate such technology, potentially setting a precedent for other states and influencing national automotive safety standards.

Details Of The New California Speed Limiter Bill

The new California bill, introduced by State Senator Scott Wiener, aims to make California the first state to mandate the inclusion of speed limiter devices in certain new vehicles. Here are the main details of the bill, known as S.B. 961:

1. Implementation Year: The requirement would start with vehicles of the 2027 model year.
2. Intelligent Speed Limiters: The bill mandates the installation of “intelligent speed limiters” in new cars. These devices are designed to restrict the speed of vehicles to no more than 10 mph above the posted speed limit. The technology would utilize GPS and onboard camera data to determine the speed limits of specific roadways and ensure vehicles comply with them.
3. Exemptions: Emergency vehicles would be exempt from this requirement. Additionally, the California Highway Patrol could authorize the disabling of the system under certain conditions. Also a statement was made on the sfstandard.com that mentions “Drivers would be able to temporarily override the speed governor device, according to the proposal.”
4. Motivation: The bill responds to the alarming increase in road deaths and aims to prevent excessive speeding. Senator Wiener cited the issuance of over 3,000 tickets for speeds over 100 mph by the California Highway Patrol in 2020 as part of the motivation for the legislation.
5. Support from Safety Advocates: The proposal has received support from safety advocates and individuals affected by high-speed collisions, who argue that no vehicle should be capable of exceeding speed limits by significant margins.
6. Industry and Consumer Reaction: There may be resistance from auto manufacturers and consumers who are wary of new regulations and added restrictions.
7. Global Context: The bill aligns with global trends in road safety. For instance, the European Union will require all new cars sold within its jurisdiction to come equipped with similar “intelligent speed assistance” devices starting July of the year the bill was discussed.
8. Additional Safety Measures: Besides speed limiters, the bill also proposes the installation of side guards on trucks and trailers weighing more than 10,000 pounds. These guards aim to reduce the risk of cars and bicycles being pulled underneath a vehicle during a crash.
9. Comparison with Existing Measures: Senator Wiener compared the potential impact of the speed limiter mandate to that of seatbelt laws, suggesting that while initially controversial, such safety measures could become widely accepted over time.

The bill represents a significant step towards enhancing road safety in California by leveraging technology to control vehicle speeds and prevent accidents.

What implications does bill S.B.961 pose for California drivers?

The S.B. 961 bill, if passed, could have several implications for drivers in California:

1. Speed Regulation: Drivers would have their vehicle speeds automatically limited to no more than 10 mph above the posted speed limits, potentially altering driving habits and reducing the likelihood of speeding tickets for exceeding speed limits significantly.
2. Safety Improvements: The implementation of speed limiters could lead to a decrease in high-speed collisions, which are often more severe and deadly than accidents at lower speeds. This could improve overall road safety for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
3. Vehicle Costs and Choices: The requirement for new vehicles to include intelligent speed limiter devices could affect the cost and selection of new cars available in California. Manufacturers may need to increase prices to cover the costs of implementing these systems, which could impact buyers’ decisions.
4. Emergency Situations: While the bill allows for certain exemptions, such as for emergency vehicles, average drivers might be concerned about situations where exceeding the speed limit could be considered necessary for safety reasons, such as overtaking a dangerous driver or evading a threat. The bill does provide mechanisms for the California Highway Patrol to authorize disabling the system under certain conditions, but the specifics of these situations and how they would be implemented or controlled could affect driver confidence and behavior.
5. Adaptation Period: Drivers may need time to adjust to vehicles that automatically enforce speed limits, leading to a period of adaptation where they become accustomed to new driving dynamics, especially when transitioning from older vehicles without such restrictions.
6. Insurance Rates: If the bill leads to a reduction in high-speed accidents, it could eventually result in lower car insurance premiums due to decreased risk of costly claims associated with high-speed collisions. However, this effect would likely be seen over time rather than immediately.
7. Public Opinion and Compliance: As with any new regulation affecting personal freedoms, there may be significant public debate and varying levels of compliance. Drivers who value high-performance vehicles and driving autonomy might oppose the restrictions, while safety-conscious individuals and those affected by speed-related accidents might strongly support them.
8. Technological Reliability and Privacy: There could be concerns regarding the reliability and accuracy of the technology used to enforce speed limits, as well as issues related to data privacy and tracking, given that the system would likely rely on GPS and onboard cameras.
9. Legal and Regulatory Framework: The introduction of such technology might lead to new legal challenges and the need for a regulatory framework addressing liability issues, system malfunctions, or discrepancies in speed limit enforcement.
10. Market Impact: The requirement could influence car manufacturers’ strategies and the types of vehicles they offer in California, potentially leading to a market more focused on safety features and compliance with regulatory standards.

Overall, S.B. 961 could significantly impact driving practices, road safety, and the automotive market in California, reflecting broader trends towards increased vehicle automation and regulatory efforts to improve traffic safety.

What implications does bill S.B. 961 pose for the automotive industry and legal landscape?

Bill S.B. 961, if enacted, would have wide-ranging implications for the automotive industry and the legal landscape, affecting manufacturers, dealers, legal professionals, and regulatory bodies. Here are some potential impacts:

Implications for the Automotive Industry

1. Manufacturing and Design: Auto manufacturers would need to integrate intelligent speed limiter technology into new vehicles starting with the 2027 model year. This requirement could necessitate significant changes in the design, manufacturing, and software programming of cars intended for the California market, potentially leading to increased costs.
2. Compliance and Standardization: Companies would need to ensure that their vehicles comply not only with California’s regulations but also with federal standards and those of other states, potentially leading to a fragmented market or pushing for a new national standard if other states follow California’s lead.
3. Research and Development: The industry might increase investment in R&D to develop more sophisticated and reliable speed limiting technologies, including those that can accurately detect and adapt to varying speed limits, road conditions, and exceptions like emergency situations.
4. Market Strategy: Automakers may need to adjust their marketing strategies to highlight safety features and compliance with S.B. 961, especially if consumer preferences shift towards vehicles that emphasize safety and regulatory compliance.
5. Sales and Pricing: The added technology could increase the cost of new vehicles, which might affect sales, especially if consumers are resistant to the price increase or the concept of speed limiters.

Implications for the Legal Landscape:

1. New Legal Frameworks: The bill would create a need for new legal frameworks and regulations to govern the use, testing, and certification of intelligent speed limiting devices, including standards for accuracy and reliability.
2. Liability Issues: There could be new legal questions regarding liability, especially in cases where the speed limiting technology fails or is implicated in a crash. Determining whether the manufacturer, driver, or another party is at fault could become more complicated.
3. Privacy Concerns: The technology required for intelligent speed limiters, which may include GPS tracking and camera surveillance, could raise privacy issues that need to be addressed through legal means, including data protection laws.
4. Enforcement and Penalties: The legal system may need to develop new enforcement mechanisms and penalties for tampering with or disabling speed limiting devices, similar to existing laws regarding emission control devices.
5. Consumer Rights and Protections: There may be increased advocacy and legal action on behalf of consumers concerning the right to modify their vehicles, the transparency of the technology’s functionality, and protection against potential overreach.
6. Insurance Law: Changes in the frequency and severity of speed-related accidents could lead to adjustments in insurance law and policy, including how premiums are calculated and what factors are considered in liability assessments.
7. Precedent for Future Regulations: Successful implementation and enforcement of S.B. 961 could set a precedent for future automotive safety regulations, potentially leading to more widespread adoption of similar technologies and standards.

Overall, S.B. 961 could significantly reshape the automotive and legal landscapes by introducing new technological standards, legal frameworks, and market dynamics focused on enhancing road safety through speed regulation.

Conclusion

As we navigate the potential changes brought forth by California’s S.B. 961, it is clear that the landscape of driving and vehicle manufacturing in the state—and possibly beyond—could be on the brink of significant transformation. The introduction of mandatory speed limiter devices in new vehicles is not just a local regulatory adjustment; it’s a move that could set new national and even global precedents for automotive safety and technology.

At J&Y Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA, we understand the complexities and implications of this proposed legislation for drivers, the automotive industry, and the broader legal landscape. We are committed to keeping our clients informed and prepared for the evolving legal scenarios that impact their lives and businesses.

As this bill progresses, we will continue to monitor its development and provide updates and insights. Whether you are a driver concerned about the implications for your freedom and safety on the road, a manufacturer facing new regulatory challenges, or an industry stakeholder navigating the shifting legal terrain, J&Y Law Firm is here to guide and support you through the changes ahead.

The road to safer driving is paved with innovation and regulation, and while the journey may be complex, our commitment to your rights and safety remains steadfast. For further information, guidance, or legal support related to S.B. 961 or other automotive laws, do not hesitate to contact J&Y Law Firm at 877-735-7035.