Virginia is set to become the first state to impose speed-limiting devices on the vehicles of drivers convicted of driving over 100 miles per hour.
From July 1, drivers caught speeding above the threshold could not only face jail time or have their licence revoked, but may also be required to install an electronic “supervisor” in their car that prevents them from exceeding the speed limit.
The new ruling introduces an Intelligent Speed Assistance program, allowing judges to order speed-limiting technology for drivers caught travelling far beyond the current legal speed limit on public roads across the state.
The Proposed Ruling
Former governor Glenn Youngkin signed the legislation with the aim of tackling drivers exceeding 100 mph or committing reckless driving.
Courts will have the authority to decide whether to implement the limiter, but the intention is to reduce the number of crashes and deaths.
According to Carscoops, Virginia recorded more than 25,000 speed-related crashes and over 400 deaths in 2024, prompting officials to explore new ways of punishing dangerous drivers beyond traditional fines or licence suspensions.
A move like this could mean that if the implementation proves successful, other states may follow suit. The state of Washington has already looked into a similar approach.
How Will They Know A Driver’s Speeding?
The proposed legislation does not specify the exact device that will be used in Virginia; it is expected to rely on GPS positioning combined with digital mapping data to determine the legal speed on a given road.
Once installed, the technology continuously monitors the vehicle’s speed and compares it with the recognised limit for that location.
If the driver attempts to accelerate beyond that threshold, the system intervenes and restricts the vehicle from going any faster.
In practice, this means the car will remain capped at the maximum permitted speed, regardless of how hard the driver presses the accelerator.
No Word on Duration
There is no confirmed duration for how long drivers must use the speed-limiting device, leaving that decision to the courts on a case-by-case basis.
Judges will determine the length of time offenders must keep the technology installed in their vehicles. Drivers ordered to use the system will also be responsible for covering the cost of installing and maintaining it.
Tampering with or attempting to disable the device could result in a misdemeanor charge, which could see a possible penalty of up to one year in jail.
During the period the order is active, offenders will not be permitted to operate any vehicle that is not fitted with the required speed-limiting technology under state supervision.