Senate committee hears bill to require intelligent speed‑assistance devices for certain speedy drivers

A Senate Transportation Committee public hearing on March 31, 2025, examined Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1596, which would require use of intelligent speed‑assistance (ISA) devices in vehicles as a condition of some restricted licenses, certain probation orders and court‑ordered conditions following convictions for reckless driving or excessive speeding.

The bill would prohibit operating a vehicle without a functioning ISA device when that device is required for an occupational or temporary restricted driver's license issued by the Department of Licensing (DOL), when required during a court‑ordered probationary period, or when required by a court as a condition of pretrial release or post‑conviction probation. Brandon Popovac, staff to the committee, said the bill defines “excessive speeding” as 20 mph or more over posted limits on roads with limits above 40 mph, and lower thresholds where posted limits are 40 mph or below. The bill would require an override function allowing an operator to exceed the preset limit up to three times per month and obliges the device user, unless waived…