Washington State has now become the first state in the country to mandate a speed limiter device for some drivers. The sweeping policy aims to end reckless driving and repeat speeding, but has a $29 monthly cost that’s causing eyebrows to be raised. As the new policy is implemented, lawmakers and motorists are waiting to see if this strategy will set the nation up for the rest.
How and why Washington is requiring speed limiters for repeat offenders, and how the $29 a month fee works
The Act targets multiple speeding violations or reckless driving allegations by drivers. The Act compels such drivers to fit a speed-limiting device on their vehicles, whose top speed is at some rate. Governing states that the Act is one of many components of the overall BEAM Act, which has the goal of lowering the state’s traffic fatality rate and making the roads in the state safer.
The $29 monthly fee pays for leasing, maintenance, and speed-limit device monitoring. It is collected from the device maker, not the state, and was designed to keep the program self-sustaining without tapping taxpayers. It’s an added monthly fee for most drivers on top of current fines and insurance rate increases.
This is how the BEAM Act is rewriting the rules for Washington drivers
The BEAM Act, which has just been passed by the Senate and House, is a comprehensive bill preventing reckless driving practices. According to the BEAM Act in Washington State House Democrats’ website, the re-offenders would have to use speed-limiting technology for a period of time, which is normally a year. The devices are tamper-proof and professionally installed, thus ensuring effective compliance. Rep. Mari Leavitt, the bill’s sponsor, was quoted by Governing as saying:
“We’re not just punishing drivers—we’re giving them a tool to change their behavior.”
The law also includes provisions for hardship waivers for those who can demonstrate financial need, though the $29 monthly fee is considered modest compared to the costs of accidents and legal penalties.
What the drivers, police, and safety activists say about the new law and its effects
Responses to the new requirement have been polarized. Some drivers regard the speed limiter as an intrusive and unwelcome expense, an added expense they do not need, but others view it as a sensible move to ensure roads are safer. Police officers are confident the devices will cut down high-speed chases and repeat offenders, freeing up resources for other priority areas.
“This is about prevention, not punishment. Speed-limiting technology would be allowed on highways only,” said a spokesman for the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Axios reported.
Safety advocates cite research indicating that speed-limiting technology can lower high-risk drivers’ crash rates by a substantial margin. However, there are questions regarding how the law will be enforced and whether the $29-a-month fee will discourage compliance among low-income motorists.
If you fit the following requirements, you’ll have to shell out money for a speed limiter this year
The law affects drivers convicted of two or more speeding tickets or reckless driving within a 12-month period. When the motorists are cautioned, they will be required to install the device within a period of 30 days or else face suspension of their license. The program is expected to affect thousands of Washington motorists in its first year, with potential future expansions if found to be successful.
Washington’s novel speed limiter law is a dramatic experiment in traffic safety. By fining repeat offenders and making them pay for the device, the state aims to curb crashes and lives lost. While other states observe the outcome, the $29 monthly charge—and the ensuing controversy regarding individual freedom versus public safety—could go nationwide. Visit the BEAM Act on the Washington State House Democrats’ official website for more information
