California has been the leader in advancing new guidelines that later get enforced in other states. It’s for this reason many drivers were worried that future cars would be required to issue speed warnings. Now, Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, has vetoed the bill. While some felt the bill would lower the number of car wrecks, others believed it would create other problems for drivers and automakers alike. 

The California governor feels the current guidelines help lower car wrecks

According to the Associated Press, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the controversial bill on September 28th that would have required speed warnings in cars. Specifically, new vehicles made in 2030 and beyond would require technology to warn drivers about exceeding the speed limit. If passed, the technology would beep at drivers for going 10 miles per hour or more over the limit. As mentioned, officials felt this move would help decrease fatal car wrecks. 

Despite the good intentions regarding car wrecks, there was quite a bit of opposition. Some people who opposed the bill felt the beeping would distract drivers. Naturally, if true, this would lessen safety on the road. Other people thought that this additional technology would make cars more expensive. Of course, high prices are already a problem for buyers. 

So, why did Gavin Newsom shoot down the legislation? In a nutshell, he felt that the current guidelines already address the issue of car wrecks caused by speeding. He also said that having California-specific guidelines would only complicate matters for automakers. 

Of course, intelligent speed assistance technology isn’t new. Some cars have had it for a while, and the European Union has requirements for it. Of course, there’s nothing stopping future legislation in the states from requiring the technology.

Check out this recent article for more reading on the California speed limit warning bill.