--- title: "States Are Forcing Speed-Limiter Devices on ‘Super Speeders’" date: "2026-11-06" modified: "2026-11-06" authors: - name: "Byron Hurd" job_title: "Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/byron-hurd.md" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/states-are-forcing-speed-limiter-devices-on-super-speeders" categories: - "Culture" - "News" - "Regulations" --- # States Are Forcing Speed-Limiter Devices on ‘Super Speeders’ ![The speed limit sign along U.S. 287, between Pike Road and Tenacity Drive. (Photo by Lewis Geyer/Digital First Media/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images)]() *The speed limit sign along U.S. 287, between Pike Road and Tenacity Drive. \Lewis Geyer/Digital First Media/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images)\* "Super Speeders" beware: Last year, several states and the District of Columbia [passed laws]() allowing for the installation of speed-governing devices in the cars of habitual/flagrant offenders. Virginia was the first to implement its program, and [according to the *Wall Street Journal*](), the rollout hasn't exactly been perfect. Virginia's device interfaces with the car's onboard computer similarly to a DUI interlock device, only instead of preventing the car from turning on, it prevents the driver from accelerating past the speed limit. There is an override feature built in for merging or emergency situations, but it only allows the driver to exceed the posted limit by 5 mph for 30 seconds, and it can only be done twice per key cycle. If you're on and off the highway a lot during your commute, that restriction might prove challenging. The devices are also somewhat limited in their capabilities. While they can prevent drivers from accelerating, they cannot apply the brakes or kill the engine. For the approximately 100 drivers in Virginia who received these devices after a reckless driving conviction, there have been other obstacles to implementing the tech. Like any device that tells a car where it is, these are only as good as their programming—and in some cases, the accuracy of their GPS hardware relative to their programmed road maps. Some users have reported issues with GPS drift—cases where the device believes the car is on a different road entirely. Imagine being on a highway with a 65-mph limit, but having the device register the car on an adjacent surface boulevard with a 35-mph max. Talk about chaos. But despite the issues, program boosters say this is a better solution than many available alternatives. Many drivers will simply drive on a suspended license, for example, and this program is significantly cheaper than paying to keep somebody in jail over a speeding ticket. In fact, when given the choice between a commute-only license restriction and the [speed limiters](), offenders tend to pick the latter. The devices have to be installed in all cars the offender has permission to operate, and tampering with/removing the device can result in jail time. One of Virginia's offenders already got in trouble for trying to fiddle with their hardware. Washington (State), New Mexico, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland are all implementing similar programs. New York City is also standing up its own version; the rest of the state is not participating. 10 other states have introduced similar legislation this year, WSJ says, including Virginia neighbors North Carolina and Tennessee. *Got a story tip? Let us know at tips@thedrive.com!* ## Author Byron is an editor at The Drive with a keen eye for infrastructure, sales and regulatory stories. He brings a light, punchy style to all of his content, believing that there's plenty out there to be laughed at—himself included. Born and raised in Maryland but now based just a stone's throw from Detroit, Byron is an auto enthusiast and generalist who enjoys building and tinkering with things of all kinds, from cars, computers and digital cityscapes, to the new garage that will soon house his fleet (a CT4-V Blackwing, a JK Wrangler and an NA Miata). Inspired by an early love of rollercoasters, Byron quickly caught the high-performance driving itch. He's been tracking and auto-crossing his cars since 2007. In his downtime, Byron enjoys reading, playing city builders, and studying the history of the Motor City. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() ## More - [Money No Object, Which Race Track Would You Rent for a Day?]() - [This Couple and Their Pair of Nissan 300ZXs Make an Unforgettable Wedding Photo]() - [Mopar Built an Electric Plymouth GTX Restomod With Less Power Than Stock]() - [Indy 500’s ‘Paper Boy,’ a Speedway Legend, Has Died at 71]() - [Did You Know Racing Legend Carroll Shelby Helped Found Chili’s?]() - [Yes, Someone Really Made a Dodge Challenger Limousine With Quad Gullwing Doors]() - [Buy This Tan 1991 Acura Legend With a Manual, Become an Acura Legend in Your Neighborhood]() - [Some Rich Guy Is Flipping His 1,035-HP McLaren Speedtail for Nearly $5M]()