New York drivers who repeatedly blow through speed cameras and red lights could soon face a new consequence: technology that physically stops their cars from speeding.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation targeting what the state calls “super speeders” — drivers who receive 16 or more speed camera or red-light camera violations within a single year, according to ABC7 New York.
Under the new law, those drivers will be required to install Intelligent Speed Limiter technology in their vehicles. The system uses GPS data and onboard vehicle software to keep drivers from going above the posted speed limit.
“We have to protect people,” Hochul said while announcing the measure, calling habitual speeding a “callous disregard of human life.”
Drivers who do not install the device within 45 days could lose their vehicle registration, meaning the car would no longer be legally allowed to operate on public roads.
State leaders say the law is meant to crack down on drivers who repeatedly ignore traffic laws and create dangerous situations near schools, intersections, and busy city streets.
The idea of speed-limiting technology is not entirely new in New York. Four years ago, the city installed similar devices in 50 government vehicles as part of a pilot program.
Supporters say the law focuses on a relatively small group of repeat offenders. Thousands of vehicles in New York City already meet the threshold outlined in the legislation, according to Streetsblog NYC.
The penalties can also increase over time. First-time offenders would generally be required to keep the technology installed for 12 months, while drivers who continue violating the law could face longer restrictions and additional penalties.
Drivers who tamper with the devices or ignore installation requirements could also face fines and suspended registrations.
The legislation also includes exemptions for certain government vehicles, taxis regulated by New York City, and commercial fleet vehicles used by multiple drivers, according to Streetsblog NYC.
Not everyone is fully on board, though. Critics have raised concerns about privacy because the technology relies on GPS tracking and vehicle monitoring to control speeds.
Still, supporters argue the law is narrowly focused on drivers with repeated violations rather than everyday motorists. Transportation safety advocates have also pointed to research showing intelligent speed assistance systems can reduce speeding and lower crash risks, according to Road & Track.
For many New Yorkers, the issue has become increasingly personal as speeding-related crashes continue making headlines across the city.
“I think it’s a good idea,” driver Annie Jankowski told ABC7. “I’ve seen what tolls speeding can take.”
Sources: ABC7 New York, Streetsblog NYC, Road & Track
