New Washington Law Would Allow Suspended Drivers for Speeding to Operate Vehicles Equipped with MPH Limiters.

      The speed limit sign on U.S. 287, situated between Pike Road and Tenacity Drive. (Lewis Geyer/Digital First Media/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images)

      Washington State is encountering a traffic enforcement challenge that has led lawmakers to propose a bill allowing individuals with suspended licenses to drive under a new “speed-restricted” license, which necessitates the installation of an electronic speed governor. As long as this device is functioning, the vehicle can be operated normally and legally, provided the driver adheres to other traffic regulations, according to the Washington State Standard.

      “The legislature aims to ensure public safety on the roads,” states the introduction of the bill. “In 2022, 29 percent of all crash fatalities were due to speed-related incidents nationwide. In 2023, over 30 percent of fatal accidents in Washington involved speeding. Speeding remains a significant factor in traffic fatalities, and law enforcement faces an increasing number of speed-related cases. The legislature recognizes that all drivers in Washington are at risk when speeding occurs, indicating a need for solutions to modify public behavior.”

      However, the bill does not include measures to prevent or decrease speeding initially. Instead, it simply notes that many of the most serious offenders continue to drive despite having their licenses revoked:

      “Furthermore, the American Motor Vehicle Administration reports that over 70 percent of individuals with suspended licenses continue driving during their suspension,” it states. “By utilizing technology to allow these individuals to drive and prevent speeding, the legislature aims to improve road safety, foster better driving habits, and protect the public.”

      The bill will also categorize “excessive speeding” as driving at least 20 mph over the posted limit. In certain cases, being found guilty of excessive speeding alongside other infractions would automatically require the driver to obtain a speed-restricted license and install an “Intelligent speed assistance device” if they wish to continue driving. Unsurprisingly, tampering with the device after installation would be made illegal (a misdemeanor), and all individuals installing the devices would need to pass a criminal background check.

      Should this law be enacted, Washington State would become the second in the nation, following Virginia, to provide an alternative for speeding offenders facing a license suspension.

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