The New York State Assembly is seriously considering a new bill that would require the installation of “speed limiters” for habitual speeders. This bill, known as the “Stop Super Speeders” bill (S4045A), has been introduced multiple times in the past but has failed to pass until now. The push for this legislation comes as speeding-related traffic fatalities have become so prevalent that they have outpaced gun deaths in the state for the past two years.
The bill mandates the installation of intelligent speed limiters in the vehicles of drivers who accumulate 11 or more demerit points within a 24-month period or who receive six or more speeding or red-light camera tickets within 12 months. Additionally, drivers who violate the speed limiter would be responsible for the cost of purchasing and installing the device. Once enacted, the law would take effect 60 days later.
According to the bill’s provisions, speeding significantly increases the risk of fatality—every 10 mph increase in speed doubles the risk of death. In New York, 30% of traffic fatalities involved speeding, and 21% of fatal pedestrian crashes in New York City in 2022 involved drivers who had received six or more speeding or red-light camera tickets. Research shows that the installation of speed limiters has proven effective, reducing traffic fatalities by 37% and decreasing sudden braking crashes by 36%.
State Senator Andrew Gounares (D), who introduced the bill, held a press conference on March 31st, highlighting the recent surge in deaths caused by speeding vehicles. He called high-speed drivers “criminals” and emphasized the need for strong speed limit laws to prevent further victims. Gounares urged for swift action on this legislation to protect public safety.