Rhode Island Considers Bill That Would Use Technology To Stop ‘Super Speeders’

Amid a post-pandemic uptick in fatal crashes, with speeding a leading factor, lawmakers in several states are exploring ways to force drivers to slow down. This week, lawmakers in Rhode Island’s Senate Committee on Judiciary heard testimony in support of the so-called “Super Speeder Accountability Act.” The bill would provide a new remedy for repeat offenders by requiring habitual speeders to install an “Intelligent Speed Assistance,” or ISA, a device that prevents drivers from going over the posted speed limit. Under existing law, the only remedy courts have for an individual convicted of four moving violations within an 18-month time span is to suspend or revoke their license.At least one other state has already passed a similar law. Last year, Virginia passed a law, set to take effect on July 1, that lets judges order the installation of an ISA system if a driver is convicted of driving at speeds above 100 mph. The District of Columbia also has enacted a similar law, and Iowa lawmakers are headed in that direction.A state senator who introduced the bill in Rhode Island, Matthew LaMountain, told reporters, “ This is a public safety issue. Excessive speeding puts every driver, pedestrian and family at risk. We need stronger, smarter tools to prevent repeat dangerous behavior.”In 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 39,345 drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists died in crashes. That number marked the first time since 2020 that fatalities from crashes dropped below 40,000. A report from the National Conference of State Legislatures found that speed-related crashes accounted for 26 percent of traffic fatalities between 2014 and 2023. In 2025, a Pew poll found that 49 percent of Americans said they believe drivers in their communities are somewhat or much less safe than before 2020, with speeding and cellphone usage listed among the top reasons. The bill comes as Rhode Island ranks among the states with the highest percentage of fatal crashes where speeding was a factor.The ISA devices are connected to a car’s accelerator and trigger resistance in the pedal that prevents drivers from going over the speed limit. While the legislation is aimed at keeping drivers on the road safe, the ACLU of Rhode Island is raising privacy concerns about the devices. In a letter of testimony to the Rhode Island senate, the ACLU questioned how long drivers’ data could be stored. “This should be spelled out,” the ACLU said. “We cannot see a reason for any data to be maintained for more than a few days, but it could be stored indefinitely under the legislation.”It also raised concerns that the legislation is vague and could lead to drivers who were charged with other non-speeding moving violations, such as failure to use a turn signal, being required to install the devices in their vehicles. Additionally, the ACLU expressed concern that the devices will require drivers to pay a $150 installation fee and a $4 daily fee.

Rhode Island Considers Bill That Would Use Technology To Stop ‘Super Speeders’

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