Depending on where you live, a suspended driver’s license could be a significant problem. Washington state aims to soften the blow with a recently introduced bill that would let drivers with suspended licenses continue driving – with some limitations.
Washington lawmakers’ new bill would create a new “speed-restricted” license that keeps drivers on the road with an electronic speed governor. Drivers can remain on the road as long as they follow the rules. The bill states, “It is the intent of the legislature to keep the public safe when on the road. Nationwide, 29 percent of all crash fatalities occurred in speed-related crashes in 2022. In 2023, more than 30 percent of fatal crashes involved speeding on Washington roads. Speeding continues to be a component of traffic deaths, and law enforcement is increasingly dealing with more speed-related incidents.”
Under the new law, excessive speeding would be defined as traveling 20 mph or more over the limit, and it would be illegal for participating drivers to remove or tamper with the device once it’s installed. Interestingly, the legislation contains no measures designed to curb speeding in the first place.
As easy as it is to lob criticism at drivers with suspended licenses, it’s good to remember that many states let people remain behind the wheel after DUI charges with a similar device that requires a breath test for alcohol before the vehicle will start.
[Images: Mayanin Rodriguez, Andrey Bayda, Personal Belongings via Shutterstock]
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