Wisconsin has introduced a bill through which it intends to amend the state legislature that penalizes drivers for speeding. Its goal is to curb reckless drivers and ensure road safety through the installation of a speed limiter in the vehicles of offenders. The legislation proposes that drivers with two or more instances of reckless driving within a five-year period could be required to install a speed-limiting tracking device in their vehicle for a minimum of one year.
The main issue lies in the annual installation and maintenance cost of these devices, which is around $1,700. While there are voices in favor of this proposal, arguing it is necessary to curb speeding on the roads and ensure safety, others define it as a way to control and restrict freedom.
Speeding in the US
The year 2025 has undoubtedly been marked by constant changes in legislation related to road safety in practically every state in the United States. Authorities have been forced to address issues such as distracted driving and speeding. It is the latter that has caused the most headaches at the legislative level and is the most common across all states. Measures have included everything from increased fines to short jail terms and the installation of surveillance cameras on the roads. However, some states have wanted to go a step further by introducing technology as one of the possible solutions. This is the case in Wisconsin, where a bill has been proposed aimed at curbing reckless drivers and saving lives.
Proposed law in Wisconsin
The new proposal includes the use of technology to curb what drivers choose not to obey. It involves a speed-limiting tracking device, which would be aimed exclusively at repeat offenders who have two or more reckless driving violations within a five-year period. If ordered to use one of these devices, they would have to do so for a minimum period of one year. Incorporating this type of technology in such situations promotes compliance with regulations, preventing the car from exceeding the established speed limit no matter how much the driver accelerates.
Limitations
Although it is a seemingly effective proposal, the truth is that it has certain limitations. On one hand, the annual cost of installing and maintaining this type of device is approximately $1,700. It has not been determined whether the offending driver or the authorities would be responsible for this cost. Additionally, there are also difficulties in controlling who is using the device, what happens if someone else uses the vehicle, or even what would happen if the vehicle is sold. All of these are issues that still need to be debated before approving this bill.
What opinions have been expressed about this new proposal?
For some, it is the perfect solution, “the system is justified because it is a fair punishment for putting others at risk.” For others, it is considered a fair penalty, especially for those with low incomes who cannot afford to pay fines or lose their driver’s license, as this would leave them without means to get to work. However, other voices argue that it is a safety issue driven by money, and that it is a method of control over drivers.