The American federal state of Virginia is introducing, as the first in the world, a technological measure to combat extreme speeding. The new rules will come into effect on July 1 and will see slightly different consequences for drivers caught speeding more than 160km/h (100mph) or those who commit serious suspended driving offences. Instead of automatically going to jail or losing your driver’s license, as before, judges will be given the power to order the installation of speed-limiting technology in the vehicles of serious offenders.
This program is called Intelligent Speed Assistance and allows the most serious traffic offenders to retain the right to drive a vehicle, but with strict technological supervision. While proponents point to the system’s life-saving potential, critics express concern about the invasion of privacy and turning cars into devices that constantly monitor drivers’ actions. With this move, Virginia became the first federal state to introduce such a program at the level of its entire territory.
Security through technology
The system works by combining GPS data and speed limit databases on roads. When the driver tries to exceed the permitted speed, the device automatically limits the engine power, preventing the vehicle from accelerating above the set limit. Similar technological solutions for “taking away the gas” are already used in Europe – for example in the Netherlands and Sweden where cars are forced to slow down in pedestrian zones and near schools. Also, similar technologies are used in fleets of French public services and in certain rehabilitation programs for drivers who have repeatedly violated speed limits.
While in Europe the focus is on prevention, in Virginia it will be on more effective punishment. The main motivation behind the introduction of this measure is the worrying statistics of the local police. In 2024 alone, more than 25,000 accidents related to excessive speed were recorded, with over 400 deaths.
The authorities point out that the goal of electronic limiters is to slow down drivers before they cause a tragedy, considering that traditional fines and license suspensions are no longer a sufficient preventive tool in the fight against extreme speed. Offenders who have been ordered to install the system will not be allowed to drive any other vehicle that is not equipped with a limiter. The law also clearly defines that any attempt at manipulation or unauthorized removal of the device is treated as a misdemeanor.