From MPH increases to automatic speed limiters, 7 states have major changes coming
You know it’s 2025 when the government says, “We trust you to drive faster… but only if we can install a leash.” Across 7 states, speed limits are rising—but for some drivers, the fine print includes mandatory speed control devices to help police. Here’s who’s affected—and how it could spread.
Multiple states raising speed limits—and two going full RoboCop
Indiana lawmakers want to let trucks go 70 mph on rural interstates—matching the speed limit for cars. Mississippi hopes to raise rural speed limits to 75 mph and allow toll roads to hit 80 mph.
New Jersey is rethinking how it sets speed limits altogether. State Senator Declan O’Scanlon said current laws are outdated because “100 percent of drivers are breaking the law already.” North Dakota has already bumped up its speed limit to 80 mph. South Carolina is trying a different tactic, raising the minimum speed on 70 mph roads from 45 to 50 mph.
All of that sounds pretty normal. But New York decided to crank things up a notch—and not in a way drivers love.
New York’s plan? Raise limits—and install GPS limiters in some cars
New York wants to bump the top interstate speed limit from 65 to 70 mph. Sounds simple, right? But lawmakers are also pushing a bill to require some drivers to install speed-monitoring tech.
Inspired by pilot programs, the devices could “alert drivers when they exceed posted limits or even prevent acceleration beyond a set speed,” according to reports. Think DUI breathalyzers, but for your gas pedal.
Supporters say it’s a move to fight high-speed crashes. Critics say it’s a privacy nightmare waiting to happen. And New York’s not alone: Virginia is already rolling out optional GPS limiters for reckless drivers. Judges can offer the device as an alternative to license suspension. But drivers must pay for the hardware themselves—and tampering with it is a crime.
What does a speed limiter even do? These systems read posted speed limit signs while using GPS to monitor the driver’s speed and prevent acceleration over that number.
At first glance, higher speed limits sound like freedom. But the fine print’s starting to look like high tech handcuffs. As GPS speed limiters roll out, drivers should ask: Are we getting more freedom—or just a faster way to be watched?
