California could be on the verge of becoming the first state in the U.S. to implement a law requiring a speeding alert system in new vehicles. If Gov. Gavin Newsom signs Senate Bill 961 (SB 961), the California speed limiter legislation would mandate all new passenger vehicles to have the technology. This also includes motortrucks and buses sold or manufactured in the state. The goal is to add another safety feature to vehicles. Drivers would have both a visual and audio alert when they’re driving too fast.
Speed Alert Technology and Stats
The California speed limiter refers to a system that warns drivers when they exceed the speed limit by 10 mph. While the system would not physically limit a vehicle’s speed, it would provide a warning. With hopes of reducing excessive speeding, this safety measure is part of an overall effort to keep people safe. In looking at recent statewide data, speeding vehicles pose a big risk in California.
California has seen a dramatic increase in traffic fatalities over the last few years. In a June report from the National Transportation Research Group, traffic deaths in the state rose by 22% from 2019 to 2022. During the same period, the national average increase in traffic fatalities was 19%. Speeding is a significant factor in many of these accidents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), one-third of all traffic fatalities in the state between 2017 and 2021 were speed-related.
Given these alarming statistics, this California speed limiter is seen as a critical step in improving road safety. Proponents of the bill point to similar technologies already in use in Europe. If signed into law, California would lead the way in the U.S., setting a precedent for other states to follow.
When Will This California Speed Limiter Take Effect?
If the bill is signed by Newsom, the new requirement would go into effect starting with the 2030 model year for all new vehicles. The California speed limiter technology would be installed in all new passenger vehicles, motortrucks, and buses. However, several types of vehicles will be exempt. Emergency vehicles, certain motortrucks, motorcycles, motorized bicycles, mopeds, and passenger vehicles already equipped with GPS or front-facing cameras would not be required to have the speed alert system.
Legal Implications For Drivers
For everyday drivers, the introduction of the California speed limiter could have significant implications. While some may see the system as an annoyance or an infringement on personal freedom, the primary goal is to save lives. However, questions remain about how this new law could affect liability in traffic accidents. At Deldar Injury and Trial Attorneys, we know that speeding accident can lead to devastating consequences.
If this technology system becomes law, it could change how speeding-related cases are handled in personal injury claims. For example, if a driver ignores the speed limiter’s warnings and causes an accident, they may face greater scrutiny and liability. Insurance companies could also use the data from these systems to argue that a driver was negligent. A scenario of this nature can potentially reduce the amount of compensation available to victims.
Path Forward
As of now, Gov. Newsom has until September 30 to sign or veto the bill. If the California speed limiter bill is signed, it will shift how California addresses speeding and traffic safety. While the primary goal is to reduce accidents and save lives, the bill also has the potential to impact legal cases involving speeding-related accidents. At Deldar, we re closely monitoring the development of this legislation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, our team is here to help. Whether or not the California speed limiter becomes law, we are committed to fighting for justice and securing the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out at (844) 335-3271 for a free consultation. We can all help create a safer environment for all drivers and prevent the heartache caused by unnecessary accidents.