New York legislation would require intelligent speed assistance in vehicles by 2029
By onAnnouncements | Legal
A New York bill would require vehicles in the state to be equipped with intelligent speed assistance (ISA) systems by 2029.
Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D-044) filed A10712 last month. It currently awaits discussion in the Assembly Transportation Committee.
Earlier this month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required ISA in vehicles in the state by 2030.
If signed, SB 961 would have made California the first state to require ISA in vehicles. It has been a required technology on vehicles in Europe since July.
“While I appreciate the intent to improve traffic safety, this bill presents several challenges,” Newsom said in his veto message. “Federal law, as implemented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), already regulates vehicle safety standards, and adding California-specific requirements would create a patchwork of regulations that undermines this longstanding federal framework. NHTSA is also actively evaluating intelligent speed assistance systems, and imposing state-level mandates at this time risks disrupting these ongoing federal assessments.”
New York’s bill would require ISA to be integrated into a vehicle system that determines the speed limit of the roadway the vehicle is traveling on, according to the bill text. ISA would be required to alert drivers if the vehicle moved in excess of 10 miles per hour, it says.
The alerts should include, but are not limited to, a brief, one-time visual and audio signal, the bill says.
Vehicles not equipped with a global positioning system or a front-facing camera would not be required to have an ISA, the law says. Emergency vehicles also would be exempt.
The Post-Journal reports that similar legislation was introduced last year in New York. The bill would have required speed limiters similar to ignition interlock devices for drivers who accumulate 11 or more points on their driver’s licenses in a 12-month period, according to the article. It says the legislation did not pass out of the committee in either the state Senate or Assembly.
After Newsom’s veto in California, Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) applauded Newsman’s applauded his action.
“Gov. Newsom’s veto of SB 961 demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that California’s vehicle safety policies are aligned with federal law, regulations, and policy,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA’s president and CEO, in the release. “A patchwork of conflicting state regulations would have harmed consumers and the automotive industry, potentially stifling innovation and limiting choice.”
Spagnola said SEMA is in favor of data-driven approaches to improve road safety.
“NHTSA is already actively evaluating speed assistance technology, and it is critical that the federal agency be allowed to continue its work on this issue,” Spagnola said.
The California Chamber of Commerce also opposed the bill, saying the regulation should be left to the federal government, according to the AP.
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