Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
State lawmakers recently passed a bill that would require certain drivers to equip their cars with speed monitoring devices for at least 1 year. The Intelligent Speed Assistance System bill has been sent to the governor’s desk for a signature and could become law on October 1. Assuming the governor signs on the dotted line, the new law would give the state another major tool to combat high-speed driving on Maryland highways and side streets. Speed monitoring devices are known as Intelligent Speed Assistance systems or ISAs and are installed in a vehicle much like an interlock device for those driving with an alcohol restriction. In fact, many of the same companies that install and monitor interlock devices have thrown their hat into the speed monitoring game, as this law creates a massive financial opportunity.
Speed monitoring devices are currently utilized by companies to limit the speed of their drivers in company vehicles. The devices us GPS to monitor the speed limit and have the ability to restrict acceleration as the vehicle approaches the limit. You have probably seen the signs on the back of trucks and work vans. Concerned parents also have the ability to pay to have the devices installed to monitor and/or limit the driving habits of their children. This government mandated program is a whole new animal though and would only grow if it proves to be successful in the eyes of the government.
Senate Bill 366 or the Intelligent Speed Assistance System Pilot Program would require Maryland drivers who have accumulated 8 or more points due to moving violations such as speeding and reckless driving to obtain a speed device restricted license. Some commercial driving violations would also be included as well as a conviction for causing death or serious bodily harm due to an accident involving texting or using a phone while driving. The program would last for 1 year and like the interlock program could be extended for violations. Those restricted for speed license could face additional charges and potential jail time for driving a vehicle not equipped with the device. Violating a license restriction is a serious offense, which often can lead to probation violation proceedings in addition to the any punishment for the actual citation.
The speed monitoring device law would certainly have an impact on Maryland drivers, but not to the degree of the new reckless driving law. Hundreds of drivers have already been cited for reckless driving by traveling 30 or more miles per hour over the speed limit since it became law on October 1 of 2025. We have heard of numerous drivers receiving jail sentences for reckless driving violations, especially in stricter jurisdictions such as Frederick County and Montgomery County. The speed monitoring program may have a deterrent effect on drivers and lower the number of reckless citations, though that remains to be seen. Annapolis lawmakers have stated about 700 individuals would have been required to enter the speed monitoring program this year. It’s safe to estimate that over 1,000 drivers per year could end up being referred to the speed monitoring program in the coming years.
The Blog will continue to follow the speed monitoring bill and may post a follow up article if it ends up becoming state law. If you have been charged with a serious traffic violation in Maryland, contact reckless driving lawyer Benjamin Herbst anytime for a free consultation. Benjamin has successfully defended hundreds of clients on charges such as DUI, driving uninsured motor vehicle, driving without a license, or on a suspended license and reckless driving under TA 21.901.1. He has extensive experience defending federal DUI charges and other federal citations, and is available 7 days a week to offer a free consultation about your case. Benjamin fights to keep his clients out of jail and their driving records clean. He understands how important it is to keep his clients out of jail and driving legally.