- Targeted Drivers: Judges will have the authority to order speed limiters for reckless drivers rather than imposing license penalties.
- Advocacy Efforts: Organizations such as Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets advocated for automatic installation for those caught speeding over 100 mph, though this provision was not included in the final legislation.
- Installation Specifications:
- Technology: The devices will utilize GPS or traffic sign recognition technology to adjust speed limits based on the driver's location.
- Cost: Convicted drivers will be responsible for the installation costs, which will remain in effect for two to six months, depending on the judge’s ruling.
- Driving Restrictions: Unlike license revocation, speed limiters enable convicted drivers to uphold their daily mobility for essential activities.
- Penalties for Tampering: Efforts to circumvent the device or drive another vehicle will be classified as a misdemeanor, carrying a potential jail sentence of up to one year.
Virginia's initiative to enforce speed limiters marks a significant development in traffic law, likely paving the way for similar legislation across the nation.
Summary: Virginia's new law will require reckless drivers to install speed-limiting devices, representing a substantial shift in traffic enforcement. This approach provides an alternative to harsher penalties, allowing drivers to maintain a level of mobility while promoting greater road safety. Other states may soon follow suit.
