California Lawmakers Approve Bill To Require Speed Warning Systems for Vehicles

California lawmakers have passed a bill requiring new vehicles to warn drivers when they’re speeding, leaving the final decision in Governor Gavin Newsom’s hands.

At a Glance

Senate Bill 961 mandates speed warning systems in new cars sold in California from 2030.
The bill aims to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries.
Critics argue the technology may cause distractions and represent government overreach.
Governor Newsom has until September 30 to sign or veto the bill.

California Takes Bold Step Towards Vehicle Safety

In a move that could potentially set a precedent for road safety across the nation, California lawmakers have passed a bill that would require new vehicles to be equipped with technology that warns drivers when they exceed the speed limit. Senate Bill 961, introduced by state Senator Scott Wiener, has now reached Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, awaiting his decision by September 30.

The bill would mandate that new cars and trucks sold in California from the 2030 model year include an intelligent speed assistance (ISA) system. This technology would alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit by more than 10 mph, using GPS and forward-facing cameras to determine speed limits.

Should Your Car Warn You That You’re Speeding? California Lawmakers Vote Yes https://t.co/aSwgzrgpTA

— KQED News (@KQEDnews) September 5, 2024

Safety Advocates Applaud, Critics Voice Concerns

Supporters of the bill, including the National Transportation Safety Board, argue that this technology could significantly reduce speeding-related crashes and save lives. The NTSB reportedly stated, “Broad deployment of intelligent speed assistance would reduce the frequency of speeding and speeding-related crashes… saving lives and preventing injuries, and we applaud you for pursuing this policy.”

“In a state where over 1,000 people are killed by speeding drivers every year, this technology will absolutely help to reduce traffic violence caused by speeding drivers in the same way that seat belts have helped to save the lives of drivers and passengers,” said Damian Kevitt, the executive director of Streets Are For Everyone.

However, the bill faces opposition from the auto industry and Republican lawmakers. Critics argue that the technology is not perfect and may cause distractions due to false positives. Some view it as government overreach, with Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) stating, “This is just another step towards making California a nanny state. This bill is about control. It’s not about safety.”

Potential National Impact

If signed into law, this would be the first of its kind in the United States. The European Union already mandates similar technology, and some automakers, like Toyota, have implemented it in their U.S. models. This move by California could set a precedent for other states to follow.

The bill has passed the state Senate 26 to 9 and the Assembly 47 to 17, with no Republican support. It’s important to note that the technology will not record or share data with law enforcement, addressing some privacy concerns.

Governor Newsom’s Decision Awaited

As the bill awaits Governor Newsom’s signature, both supporters and critics are closely watching. The decision will not only impact California’s road safety measures but could potentially influence similar legislation across the country.