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Hochul Signs Law Forcing GPS Speed Limiters Into Private Vehicles

Hochul Signs Law Forcing GPS Speed Limiters Into Private Vehicles
AP Photo/Seth Wenig

New York just passed a new law that has sparked a lot of buzz in the Empire State. The law is ostensibly aimed at reducing traffic conditions by targeting repeat offenders of speeding laws.

The law would require certain offenders to install a device in their vehicles that automatically controls the speed at which one can drive. The device will essentially prevent motorists from going too far above the speed limit.

Gov. Kathy Hochul came out in defense of the measure, billed the “Stop Super Speeders Act.” “There are pedestrians, moms pushing strollers, people on bikes, kids going to school,” she said. “We have to protect people.”

She continued, noting that “we have technology that [allows] devices [to be] installed in the vehicle that would limit how fast you could go.”

The law creates a pilot program in New York City to stop “super speeders” from breaking the speed limit. These are defined as motorists who rack up 16 or more automated speed-camera violations within a 12-month period.

After this happens, the DMV sends the motorist a notice that they will be required to install an Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) device, which is a GPS-linked speed control mechanism wired into the car’s computer system.

The technology employs real-time mapping data to cap the vehicle’s maximum speed at the posted limit plus about five miles per hour. If the driver attempts to go above the limit, the device slows them down.

First time offenders will have to use the device for at least one year. Second time offenders will have to use it for two years. Those who have a third offense within 15 years will have to use it for three years and anyone who offends more than that will have to have the device indefinitely.

Of course, government vehicles, taxis, and some commercial vehicles will be exempt.

The cost to install the device can range from about $1,000 to $1,500, but low-income drivers could qualify for lower rates.

Those who refuse to comply with the mandate could have their vehicle’s registration suspended. Removing the device is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and hefty fines.

The law has sparked backlash from those concerned about potential civil liberties violations. Offenders are essentially forced to agree to install a device that can track not only their speed, but location. Since the devices can log this information, it could create permanent records that the government or insurance companies could potentially access.

It’s not hard to see how this could eventually lead to a slippery slope where the government expands its authority to compel people to use these devices even if they are not speed law violators. The state could eventually stretch this type of policy to apply to all drivers. After all, forcing people to stay within the speed limit will reduce the number of traffic collisions, won’t it?

As with most governmental policy, this law will only pave the way for a scenario in which the government grows its power to intrude on people’s lives. Once these types of laws are put into place, it is quite difficult to rescind them.

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