A new law Illinois will target what it calls “super-speeders”, mandating the installation of new speed-limiting devices in their cars if they are caught driving multiple times faster.
The law was signed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on Friday. As part of the larger HB 4948, the state will introduce a new “Intelligent Speed Assistance Program”, designed as an alternative to license suspension for serial speedsters.
The program will require drivers who have been convicted of two qualifying speeding or careless driving offenses within 12 months to install speed breakers on their cars.
Drivers will have up to two weeks after a second conviction to obtain a permit for the device and install it. A restricted driver’s license will also be issued, restricting drivers to vehicles with the device installed.
The devices prevent a vehicle from exceeding a given speed limit by using GPS, integrated in-car technology that can detect the limit, map data or a camera-based sign recognition system. The bill does not specify how older cars, which often lack this technology, would be required to use limiters.
Those who enroll in the program must pay for the device themselves. However, the new law makes exceptions for low-income residents. Proponents described the current structure of fines and license point deductions as ineffective, believing the tool would allow drivers to operate their vehicles safely rather than penalizing them.
The bill cites research published by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program that shows approximately 75% of drivers still drive their vehicles with a suspended license. It also claims a 64% reduction in speeds in a similar program in New York City.
While Illinois’ new speeding law will go into effect on January 1, 2028, similar programs have already been signed into law in both Virginia and Washington.
