Speeding is something we all recognize as risky behavior. Despite this awareness, many of us end up committing it occasionally—if not habitually. Receiving a citation upon getting apprehended isn't rare; however, most state authorities typically only penalize beyond issuing tickets when drivers exceed speed limits drastically or exhibit recurrent violations, which could lead to having your driver's license suspended. Recently though, various states have proposed new bills aimed at revisiting how they handle speeding infractions. Although such proposals were rejected in certain regions, Virginia successfully enacted its version of this law.
Virginia’s HB2096: Understanding the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program
The governor of Virginia has recently signed HB2096: Intelligent Speed Assistance System into law, which is slated to take effect July 1, 2026. According to the bill, there will now be an additional penalty that the state can use to deter drivers from reckless driving.
If someone is pulled over for going over 100 miles per hour, the typical penalty is getting their license suspended. But with this new law, that’s no longer a certainty. Instead, frequent speeders can opt to enroll in a program and install an intelligent speed assistance system. They may also be subject to this if you have too many demerits on your license.
What Is the Function of Speed Limiter Systems?
Smart speed control systems, also known as speed limiters, arbitrarily restrict a vehicle’s velocity. When you accelerate A standard car without any special restrictions has a maximum speed it can reach. Even though the highest speed limits in the U.S. cap off at 85 mph, typical vehicles' top speeds usually fall between 120 to 155 mph.
Nevertheless, once a speed limiter is installed, it can artificially reduce the maximum allowable speed. As stated BMW UK The speed limiter employs sensors to gauge your vehicle’s velocity and communicates this data to your car’s engine control unit (ECU). Should these sensors determine that you have reached the pre-set limitation within the system, they instruct the ECU to "reduce air flow and fuel supply to the engine" so as to stop your car from accelerating further.
Could You Override Speed Limiters?
Although it might be feasible to manipulate and override the speed limiters, doing so under Virginia law constitutes a Class 1 misdemeanor. Therefore, even though you might consider using this system instead of risking suspension only to alter the limiter later, it would not be wise. Such actions will likely land you in deeper legal hot water than initially anticipated.
Source
- HB2096 Establishes an Intelligent Speed Assistance Program; imposes penalties. Legal Information System, 2025.
- What Is the Function of an Electronic Speed Limiter? , BMW UK.