The erosion of our nation’s freedom seems to be on track, with the latest development being Washington’s mandate for repeat speed offenders to install GPS-based speed limiters. This move aligns with a national trend aimed at regulating drivers’ speed, as reported by Ecoportal.
Under this new law, drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph on highways or 10 mph on smaller roads must have the limiter installed to regain their license.
Similar to breath-test locks used for DUIs, this device uses GPS to monitor speed and restricts the car’s maximum speed electronically. Offenders are required to keep it in place for a minimum of 120 days, or 150 days for reckless driving convictions. They are allowed only three temporary overrides per month before the limiter completely locks them out. Failure to comply results in further penalties and extended suspensions.
The decision to implement this measure came after a deadly year on Washington roads in 2023, with speeding being a contributing factor in a third of all traffic fatalities. The bill was named in memory of four individuals who lost their lives near Renton at the hands of a repeat offender involved in two prior accidents that year.
Proponents argue that this technology will save lives, citing Europe’s mandate for limiters in new cars. However, critics view it as a concerning precedent, with the state dictating the speed at which vehicles can operate.
Once activated, the limiter eliminates any room for flexibility, disregarding emergencies, open roads, or individual judgment.
Other states are monitoring this development closely, with Virginia and D.C. already utilizing similar devices for repeat offenders, and Pennsylvania contemplating their own implementation. California’s governor vetoed a similar bill, cautioning against governmental overreach.
With momentum building, the concept of “freedom of the road” may soon entail driving under electronic supervision, where speed is no longer a personal choice.
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