Speed cameras catch you after the fact. A proposed California law would prevent you from speeding in the first place.
Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria introduced legislation in February 2026 that would require certain motorists convicted of excessive speed and reckless driving offenses to install an intelligent speed assistance (ISA) device in their vehicles. The device uses GPS to determine the vehicle's location and the posted speed limit, then cuts engine power to prevent the driver from exceeding it.
Who Would Be Affected
Under the bill, judges would have the discretion to order ISA installation for first time convictions of reckless driving, street racing, or driving over 100 mph. The technology would be mandatory in cases where someone was injured.
The device would be installed for six months for first time offenders. Repeat offenders could be required to use it for one to four years depending on their number of prior convictions. Offenders would be barred from operating any vehicle not equipped with the device during that period.
Drivers would partially pay for the cost of installation.
How ISA Works
ISA devices use GPS to identify the vehicle's location and cross reference it with a database of posted speed limits. When the system detects the vehicle exceeding the limit, it reduces engine power to bring the speed down. The technology does not apply brakes — it limits acceleration.
Dealing with an existing citation? Check your options.
Check eligibilityIs This New?
Not globally. ISA devices are already required on all new cars sold in the European Union. Washington, D.C. and Virginia have similar statewide programs. New York City has installed the technology on hundreds of government fleet vehicles. A report on New York's pilot found that the devices reduced speeding by nearly two thirds across the vehicles that had them installed.
This would be the first time ISA is deployed by the government in California.
Legislative History
State Senator Scott Wiener proposed related legislation in 2024 that would have required new cars sold in California starting with 2030 models to passively monitor speed and alert drivers when they exceeded the limit by more than 10 mph. Governor Newsom vetoed that bill.
Soria's bill takes a narrower approach, targeting only convicted offenders rather than all new vehicles. If passed by both houses, it could reach the governor's desk by mid 2026 at the earliest. The law would take effect in 2027 for five years.
The Debate
Supporters point to the technology's effectiveness and its targeted approach — focusing on repeat offenders rather than monitoring all drivers. Critics of broader speed camera programs have argued that cameras are too sweeping in their surveillance. ISA offers a more focused alternative.
Civil liberties advocates have noted that ISA monitors only the individual offender, not the general public, which addresses some of the privacy concerns raised about camera programs.
TicketClear is a document preparation service, not a law firm. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney.