Washington State is taking a major step toward improving road safety with the enactment of the BEAM Act (House Bill 1596), signed into law on May 12, 2025. The legislation mandates the use of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) devices in vehicles driven by individuals whose licenses were suspended for reckless driving or excessive speeding.
Named in memory of four people who tragically lost their lives in a high-speed crash near Renton in 2024, the BEAM Act requires high-risk drivers to install ISA devices either as a court-ordered measure or as a condition for license reinstatement. Using GPS technology, the devices prevent vehicles from exceeding posted speed limits, with a built-in override that allows drivers to exceed the limit up to three times per month.
The law will go into effect on January 1, 2029. Affected drivers will be responsible for all associated costs, including a $21 monthly maintenance fee. Tampering with or disabling the device is considered a gross misdemeanor and carries serious legal penalties.
By integrating speed-limiting technology into the vehicles of repeat offenders, the BEAM Act seeks to enhance road safety and reduce the incidence of speed-related accidents.