Update – As of Sept 15, 2025 – Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Washington State have enacted ISA legislation. Georgia’s bill passed the legislature but needs another session due to the governor’s concerns. New York, California, Maryland, and Arizona continue to advance bills, with some requiring additional sessions.
In a groundbreaking move, Virginia became the first state in the nation to pass a law to help reign in super speeders with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA). Under the new law, which takes effect in July 2026, judges will be able to require drivers caught going over 100 mph to install speed-limiting technology. While super speeders make up an overall small number of drivers, they have a disproportionate effect on roadway safety, as speeding is a determining factor in nearly one-third of traffic deaths. Read more out Virginia’s ISA law and its safety implications.
But Virginia isn't the only state taking action. In Georgia, lawmakers just passed legislation that will allow judges to require speed-limiting technology in the vehicles of drivers whose licenses have been suspended for egregious violations like street racing. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, making it the second state to authorize speed-limiting technology to stop Super Speeders. Read more about Georgia's new ISA law. And now, Washington State is joining the momentum! A newly signed bill will require ISA for certain reckless drivers and make it a misdemeanor to tamper with the device.
Intelligent Speed Assistance, or ISA, is a safety technology that helps drivers maintain safe speeds by alerting them when they exceed posted limits. While this technology can come in various forms, the ISA technology to be used as part of the new Virginia policy is an “active” form that prevents the vehicle from exceeding a certain speed, based on the speed limit.
The legislation draws on the success of alcohol-related ignition interlock devices used to deter impaired driving and which are now used in 31 states and worldwide. Recognizing the benefits of ISA as an upstream safety tool, Washington D.C. passed legislation in 2024 to require speed-limiting devices for drivers with speeding-related license suspensions.
Growing Momentum Across the Nation
The growing movement and push to adopt Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) policies across the country has been powered by the voices of victims and survivors of traffic violence. Members of Families for Safe Streets (FSS), who have lost loved ones or been seriously injured in traffic crashes, are leading the charge to bring this life-saving technology to more communities.
The movement began in New York State, where FSS members were instrumental in introducing the first ISA-related bill in the U.S. Their efforts laid the groundwork for other local campaigns, including in Washington, D.C., where the local FSS chapter successfully advocated for the passage of the first ISA law in the country in 2024. This historic win marked the beginning of a growing national trend. Since then, many other advocacy groups nationwide have joined FSS, recognizing ISA as a commonsense, targeted tool to prevent the most dangerous forms of speeding.
“The effort is so common sense that it is receiving bi-partisan support across the country,” Amy Cohen, founder of Families for Safe Streets, told Streetsblog USA.
As of this writing, at least three other states, have introduced ISA-related bills that are currently in progress, including Washington, Maryland, and California, while an Arizona bill was introduced but did not move forward in that state’s session. At a time when federal vehicle safety regulations appear to be at a standstill, states are taking up the mantle to rein in dangerous speeding using technology.
These efforts focus on the most dangerous drivers, such as those convicted of reckless driving, extreme speeding or street racing. While the details vary among the various state proposals, generally, they use proven technology to deter repeat, high speeders from dangerous speeding. Track the bills’ progress on Families for Safe Streets’ Safe Vehicles page, get involved in your state’s efforts or start a new campaign in your state (more below).
Why This Matters
While there are many effective speed management tools, ISA is one that can systemically target the most dangerous drivers on the road. And it doesn’t depend on resource-intensive, limited policing capacity.
Importantly, ISA provides a practical alternative to license suspension or even jail. In a car-dependent country such as the U.S., allowing individuals to maintain mobility for essential needs, such as getting to work and medical appointments is important.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 75% of drivers with a suspended license continue to drive, so ISA is a tool that helps ensure they do so more safely. This provides individuals an opportunity to integrate back into their routines and maintain their responsibilities, while simultaneously enhancing road safety for the entire community.
Take Action to Advance ISA
We are encouraged that momentum is growing for ISA. With more support from policymakers, advocates and everyday drivers, ISA is a critical tool in the fight against deadly speeding.
To help accelerate the adoption of ISA, here are some steps to consider:
- Cities, counties and states should integrate ISA into their public fleets as done successfully in NYC, reducing crash-related costs and fuel expenses. Privately owned fleets can and should do the same.
- Advocates should urge their community to join the Safer Fleets Challenge that promotes ISA adoption in fleet vehicles.
- Drivers with ISA-equipped vehicles can activate their systems and encourage others to do the same to help normalize this life-saving technology.
- We can all track ISA efforts already underway and get involved if your state is already active or encourage your state policymakers to consider ISA policies in the future.