Washington State Proposes “Speed-Restricted” Licenses to Combat Traffic Enforcement Crisis

A New Approach to Traffic Safety?

Washington State is facing a traffic enforcement crisis, with a staggering 30% of fatal crashes involving speeding on its roads in 2023. In response, lawmakers have introduced a bill that aims to address the issue by giving holders of suspended licenses the opportunity to continue driving on a new “speed-restricted” license. This innovative approach mandates the use of an electronic top-speed governor, which restricts the vehicle’s speed to a certain limit.

How it Works

The “speed-restricted” license would allow drivers to continue operating their vehicles, as long as they adhere to the speed limit set by the governor. This means that, so long as the speed limiter is active, the car can be driven normally and legally, as long as the driver follows all other traffic rules. The bill’s introduction states that the legislature’s intent is to keep the public safe on the road, citing the alarming statistic that 29% of all crash fatalities in 2022 were speed-related.

No Solution to Prevent Speeding

Despite the stated intent, the bill does not include any provisions to prevent or reduce speeding in the first place. Instead, it acknowledges that many drivers with suspended licenses continue to drive, and aims to leverage technology to enable them to continue driving while preventing speeding.

What it Means for Drivers

The bill would define “excessive speeding” as traveling at least 20 mph over the posted limit. In some cases, being found guilty of excessive speeding, in addition to other violations, would automatically require the driver to switch to a speed-restricted license and install an “Intelligent speed assistance device.” It would be illegal to tamper with the device once installed, and all installers would be required to pass a criminal background check.

A New Approach to Traffic Enforcement

If this bill becomes law, Washington State would become the second state, after Virginia, to offer an alternative to speeding offenders facing a license suspension. The bill’s introduction acknowledges that speeding continues to be a major component of traffic deaths, and that solutions are needed to change public behavior. Whether this innovative approach will be effective in reducing speeding-related incidents remains to be seen.