California Bill Would Require Speed Governors on Cars

A California bill proposed by state senator Scott Wiener could require vehicles sold in California to be equipped with speed governors, a mechanism that limits the vehicle’s top speed.

According to an article by Ricardo Cano in the San Francisco Chronicle, “The bill, introduced Wednesday, would require cars and trucks of the 2027 model year or later that are built or sold in California to include speed governors that would prohibit motorists from driving more than 10 mph over posted speed limits.” The bill would exempt emergency vehicles.

Cities are turning to lower speed limits as one tool for reducing roadway deaths. For pedestrians, the chance of dying after being hit by a vehicle dramatically increases with higher speeds.

The proposed bill would also require trucks over 10,000 pounds to be equipped with side underride guards, which prevent vehicles and people from going under trucks during a crash. Rear underride guards have been required since 1998—though the movement to mandate them began in 1967 after the grisly death of actress Jayne Mansfield in an underride crash.