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Wisconsin Speed Limiter Bill: A New Bill Could Make It Possible for the Government to Add a Speed Limiter to Your Car

The proposed Wisconsin speed limiter bill is stirring intense debate, suggesting a future where government-mandated speed limiters could be installed in the vehicles of repeat offenders. This Wisconsin speed limiter bill aims to curb reckless driving by automatically restricting a vehicle’s speed, but critics argue it raises significant concerns about cost, fairness, and potential surveillance. The legislation highlights the difficult balance between public safety and personal freedoms.

Wisconsin Welcome sign at Marinette — Source: Getty

Key Details of Wisconsin’s Proposed Speed-Limiting Legislation

The Wisconsin speed limiter bill targets specific high-risk drivers with a technologically advanced penalty.

Who is Affected: Drivers with two or more reckless driving violations within the past five years.
The Technology: A “speed assistance” device that uses GPS to analyze local speed limits.
The Restriction: The device prevents the vehicle from exceeding 20 mph over the given speed limit.
The Cost: Offenders would be required to use the device for at least one year, costing the driver about $1,700 annually in installation and maintenance.
The Penalty: Failing to install or tampering with the device could result in a $600 fine and up to six months in jail.

This Wisconsin speed limiter bill is a direct response to alarming safety statistics. A 2024 LendingTree study ranked Wisconsin 5th highest in the U.S. for speeding-related incidents, and Milwaukee has seen an 86% increase in traffic injuries since 2012.

Wisconsin vanity license plate — Source: Getty

Arguments For and Against the Technology

Proponents see the bill as a necessary safety intervention, while opponents worry about its fairness and logistical execution.

Arguments FOR the Bill	Arguments AGAINST the Bill
Provides a “real consequence for speeders” (Sen. Chris Larson).	Creates an “unfair impact on lower-income drivers” who can’t afford the $1,700 cost.
Acts as a strong social deterrent (a visible sign of penalty).	Raises concerns over a “surveillance-like state” and data privacy.
Offers an alternative to an immediate jail sentence for reckless driving.	Prevents drivers from speeding in legitimate emergency situations.
Aims to lower high rates of crashes, injuries, and fatalities.	The solution is “reactive” rather than preventative (Milwaukee Mayor’s Office).

Final Thoughts: Logistics and Alternatives

Logistical concerns remain a major hurdle for the Wisconsin speed limiter bill, including how law enforcement will monitor the devices. To address cost concerns, Senator Chris Larson noted that courts “can accommodate” the needs of those living under 150% of poverty.

If the bill fails, Milwaukee is pushing for an alternative: the expansion of speed and red light cameras. This is not a new concept; Virginia became the first state to pass a similar speed assistance device program this year, which is set to take effect in July 2026.

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