Intelligent Speed Assistance Laws

Speeding can lead to accidents, reduced fuel efficiency, expensive traffic tickets, points on a driver's record, license suspensions, and higher insurance rates. In some cases, excessive speeding can lead to a reckless driving charge and jail time. Speed cameras and self-driving technology potentially could reduce the number of speeders on the roads. However, fully automated self-driving technology isn't widespread enough to significantly reduce the instances of speeding. Speed cameras aren't universally accepted in the United States—with some states banning their use. Plus, speed cameras can't control a vehicle's speed—they only punish a driver for speeding after the fact.

States and local governments are turning to another option to combat speeding: intelligent speed assistance (ISA), also called "intelligent speed adaptation." ISA technology monitors a vehicle's speed and can either prevent the vehicle from exceeding a specific speed or give a warning to a motorist who's driving too fast. ISA systems required by law and the voluntary use of ISA are becoming more common in the United States.

What Is Intelligent Speed Assistance?

ISA is a safety technology that helps drivers maintain an appropriate speed for the speed limit. There are two main types of ISA: passive and active ISA.

Passive ISA

Passive ISA systems monitor the vehicle's speed and provide a warning when the vehicle exceeds the speed limit. Some passive systems have accelerator resistance that makes speeding more difficult, but still possible.

Active ISA

Active ISA systems also monitor the vehicle's speed, but it does more than provide a warning. When the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, the system prevents the vehicle from going faster.

How Does Intelligent Speed Assistance Work?

ISA systems use a combination of technologies—such as GPS data, digital mapping, vehicle cameras, and sensors to detect speed limits. ISA systems also use the vehicle's sensors and systems to determine the vehicle's speed and compare it to the speed limit. If the vehicle begins exceeding the speed limit, an active ISA system will prevent the vehicle from going faster. Many ISA systems have an override feature that allows drivers to exceed the speed limit when it's necessary for safety, such as when merging onto a freeway or speeding up to avoid a collision.

Intelligent Speed Assistance Laws in the United States

ISA laws can be separated into two categories: manufacturing laws and punitive laws. Manufacturing laws require vehicles to have ISA systems installed in all vehicles or certain types of vehicles. Punitive laws require certain drivers to install ISA systems in their vehicles. The United States has few ISA laws in general. Instead, ISA systems have mainly been limited to a handful of trucking and delivery companies that voluntarily use ISA systems in their fleets.

Manufacturing Laws

The European Union has required all new vehicles to be equipped with ISA systems since 2024. The United States has no such manufacturing requirements. California nearly passed a law that would require ISA systems in new cars sold and manufactured in the state, but the governor vetoed the bill. The federal government has added safety requirements for car manufacturers over the years as safety features have evolved. So it's possible that ISA systems could be required for all cars sold or manufactured in the United States in the future.

Even though there are no statewide or federal mandates for ISA systems in all new vehicles, some local governments are requiring ISA systems in government vehicles. For instance, the District of Columbia also has an ISA program for some of its school buses. New York City's ISA pilot program placed ISA systems in some of the city's vehicles. The New York program reduced speeding instances by city government vehicles by 64%.

Punitive Laws

Several states have considered or are considering ISA requirements for certain traffic offenders. Virginia is the first state to pass a law requiring ISA systems for traffic offenders. Beginning in July 2026, Virginia judges may order motorists to install ISA systems for certain reckless driving offenses involving speeding. Virginia's DMV also may require drivers who collect too many traffic points to install ISA systems.

Washington also will require ISA systems for drivers with convictions for certain reckless driving and excessive speeding offenses beginning in 2029. The District of Columbia also has passed a law to establish an ISA program for certain offenders.

More states probably will adopt ISA requirements for certain offenders. Eventually, ISA systems for certain speeding and reckless driving offenses might be as common as ignition interlock devices for driving under the influence of alcohol offenses.

The Benefits of Intelligent Speed Assistance

Proponents of ISA technology cite its many benefits, from reducing the number of serious accidents to improving fuel efficiency.

Public Safety Benefits

Reducing the instances of speeding—especially by keeping dangerous drivers from excessive speeding—can result in significant public safety benefits. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021, resulting in 12,330 deaths. NHTSA also cites several studies showing that ISA technology is effective in reducing speeding.

Financial Benefits

Reducing speeds can make the cost of driving lower for drivers. Preventing speeding with ISA technology can improve fuel efficiency and save drivers money. Speeding tickets have costly fines and will increase a motorist's insurance rates. Accidents resulting from speeding can bring expensive repairs and hefty medical bills. Plus, reckless driving charges resulting from speeding can lead to jail time and license suspensions.

The Future of Intelligent Speed Assistance

ISA technology is becoming more widespread, but the law often lags behind technological advancements. As more local governments and businesses adopt ISA technology and benefit from its use, state and federal lawmakers might see ISA as a necessary safety feature in all vehicles or as a way to curb excessive speeders.