Minnesota bill would establish intelligent speed assistance program
Minnesota is considering a bill that would establish an intelligent speed assistance (ISA) program for drivers who excessively speed in the state.
The bill, HB3429, would make it a gross misdemeanor for anyone who holds a restricted license to drive, operate, or be in physical control of any motor vehicle not equipped with an ISA device certified by the state’s commission of public safety.
HB3429 was introduced in February and referred to the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. The committee recommended adopting the bill as amended and sent it to the Judiciary, Finance, and Civil Law Committee. A companion bill, SB3691, sits in the Senate’s Transportation Committee.
Violations, including speeding in excess of 100 miles per hour and 30-plus miles per hour over the posted limit, would be cause for requiring the device. This would also include 20 miles per hour over a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, 20 miles per hour or more over a school zone speed limit, and 20 miles per hour or more over a work zone speed limit.
Drivers would be restricted to the device for six months for the first qualifying speed violation, one year for the second within 20 years, three years for the third, and seven years for the fourth.
The commissioner would be given the authority to certify a device. The bill also defines what the device must be able to do, including obtaining and retaining location tracking information.
The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety sent a letter to both the Senate and House in support of the legislation.
“Use of ISA by individuals convicted of specified or repeat offenses would be required to drive during license suspension,” a press release about the letters says. “Installation of an ISA device would prevent the offender’s vehicle from speeding and is an alternative to license suspension. ISA still allows driving for daily tasks such as taking children to school, going to work, or medical appointments.”
It says the technology is needed because speeding contributes to the frequency and severity of motor vehicle crashes and is especially dangerous for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and roadside first responders who lack the protective structure of a vehicle.
In 2023, the letters state that 29% of traffic fatalities in Minnesota were speed-related, and there were 478 traffic fatalities in 2024.
Virginia passed an ISA program last year for drivers convicted of reckless driving within the state. It becomes effective in the state this summer.
In 2024, the District of Columbia approved legislation that allows judges to install speed governing devices on the vehicles of those convicted of reckless driving crimes, according to NBC Washington.
The device monitors drivers’ speeds. Traffic violations recorded by the monitor could lead to more violations and the vehicle being towed, according to NBC Washington.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill in 2024 that would have required ISA in all vehicles in the state starting in 2030.
SB961 would have made California the first state to require ISA in vehicles. It has been a required technology on vehicles in Europe since July. The bill’s ISA wouldn’t control vehicle speed. It would notify drivers when they’re speeding.
“While I appreciate the intent to improve traffic safety, this bill presents several challenges,” Newsom said in a veto message. “Federal law, as implemented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), already regulates vehicle safety standards, and adding California-specific requirements would create a patchwork of regulations that undermines this longstanding federal framework. NHTSA is also actively evaluating intelligent speed assistance systems, and imposing state-level mandates at this time risks disrupting these ongoing federal assessments.”
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