California Speeds On: Newsom Vetoes New Driver Alert Law
Published: October 2nd, 2024.
Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed a bill that would have directly impacted California drivers, especially those often caught speeding. Starting in 2030, the bill would have required all new cars sold in the state to alert drivers if they were speeding by more than ten mph. This technology, known as Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), would have been a significant change for Californians, who often face long commutes and congested roads.
This veto means that many California drivers won’t have to worry about new cars automatically alerting them for speeding soon. While safety advocates pushed for the technology, believing it could reduce the state’s high number of speeding-related accidents, opponents argued that it could make cars more expensive and unnecessarily complicate the driving experience.
Had the bill passed, drivers across the state would have been among the first in the U.S. to experience mandatory speed alerts. While this could have helped reduce speeding-related crashes, which comprise 35% of California traffic fatalities, it also raised concerns. Some drivers feared that having their car beep at them for going too fast could be distracting, especially in busy areas like Los Angeles, where traffic is unpredictable and speed limits can change frequently.
One of the main concerns for California drivers was the potential cost increase for new cars. Critics argued that adding this technology would make vehicles more expensive, which could hit consumers hard in a state where the cost of living is already high. Additionally, because California is such a large market, automakers would likely have included the system in all cars sold nationwide, not just in California. This could have affected car buyers nationwide, with California residents at the center of the change.
Governor Newsom’s veto also highlights the complexity of making state-specific regulations. He pointed out that federal agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are already studying similar systems. By vetoing the bill, he avoided creating a patchwork of regulations that could confuse consumers and automakers alike.
For California residents who drive often, this means they won’t need to worry about speed alerts in their next car purchase—for now. However, with the high number of speeding-related accidents, this type of technology could still make its way to California, possibly through federal regulations. Other places like Europe have already implemented similar systems, and it’s only a matter of time before more discussions about speeding and safety resurface in the state.
For now, drivers in California can breathe a sigh of relief if they enjoy the open roads, but they should also stay aware that road safety will continue to be a topic of discussion. Whether or not speed alert technology becomes a part of everyday driving in the Golden State remains to be seen, but Californians can expect more conversations about how to make the roads safer for everyone.