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HB 8098

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SUPER SPEEDER ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Alzate and 9 co-sponsors

The bill requires eligible speeding offenders to install and use certified ISA speed-limiting devices as a condition of license reinstatement.

04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 8098

Summary of HB 8098 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Super Speeder Accountability Act

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes the “Super Speeder Accountability Act” as a sentencing option or enhancement for drivers involved in high-risk speeding-related offenses.
  • Aims to improve road safety by reducing excessive speeding and recidivism through the use of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) devices, rather than relying solely on traditional penalties (fines, license suspensions, impounds).
  • Recognizes ISA technology as a tool to allow driving under a controlled speed regime, with the device preventing or limiting speed to posted or pre-set limits and supporting driver education.

Key Provisions and Changes

1) New Chapter: 31-27.2 (Super Speeder Accountability Act)

  • Clearly designates a new chapter within Rhode Island’s motor vehicle statutes.

2) Definitions

  • ISA Device: An aftermarket GPS-based device that actively limits speed to posted or pre-set limits, tamper-resistant, capable of reporting tampering. Excludes speed-control technology provided by a vehicle manufacturer as standard equipment.
  • Eligible Offender: Individuals whose licenses are suspended for excessive speeding, racing, reckless driving where speed was a factor, or those with multiple moving offenses under § 31-27-24.
  • Excessive Speeding:
    • 20 mph over the limit when the limit is 40 mph or less; or
    • 30 mph over the limit when the limit is greater than 40 mph.
  • Department: Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal: The court with original jurisdiction over civil traffic offenses in Rhode Island.

3) Mandatory Use of ISA Devices

  • For any eligible offender, ISA installation and use is required as a condition of license reinstatement.
  • Obligations include:
    • During restricted/reinstated license periods, driving is unlawful without a functioning ISA device.
    • Offenders must provide proof of ISA installation to the traffic tribunal via an approved vendor form.
    • The offender bears the costs of leasing, installing, removing, and maintaining the device.
    • The ISA device must be active on any vehicle operated by the offender for at least 12 months following reinstatement.

4) Certification and Installation (ISA Providers)

  • IS A device providers/installers must apply to the Department for eligibility.
  • Providers must declare devices as ISA and submit annual background checks for staff.
  • Use of only certified ISA devices and installers (or ignition interlock providers) is required.
  • Department to promulgate regulations governing certification.

5) Program Administration

  • Department must establish procedures for issuing restricted licenses, including:
    • Notifying offenders of ISA requirements.
    • Verifying installation and continued functionality.
    • Monitoring compliance and addressing violations.

6) Penalties for Noncompliance

  • Noncompliance includes tampering, operating without device, or failing to return the device.
  • Penalties:
    • Immediate re-suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
    • Extension of ISA requirement by 6 months.
    • If an offender chooses to cede driving privileges, license is suspended/revoked with an affidavit of nondriving.
    • Reinstatement requires completion of the required ISA period without further penalties, or completion of the device usage after penalties.

7) Liability Clarifications

  • Manufacturers/distributors/retailers are generally not liable for damages from aftermarket ISA devices, except if they knowingly repair/update a device in a way that proximately causes damage.
  • Vehicle manufacturers are not obligated to include aftermarket ISA devices.
  • Lessor/lienholder relationships may require notification of ISA installation.

8) Data Collection and Privacy

  • Data collected by ISA providers must be securely maintained.
  • Data on tampering or device removal may be shared with the court or department; non-identifiable data may be used for research/evaluation.
  • Data disclosures restricted to court orders, statutes/regulations, department/traffic court cases, or depersonalized research data.

9) Reporting and Evaluation

  • Department must submit an annual report to the governor and legislative leaders summarizing program data, including recidivism and compliance.
  • Department may adjust implementation based on findings and best practices.

10) Rulemaking Authority

  • Department authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the act.

Timeline and Effective Date

  • The act specifies that it takes effect upon passage.

Likely Impacts

  • Aims to deter high-risk speeding by requiring ISA-equipped vehicles for eligible offenders, potentially reducing recidivism and improving safety.
  • Shifts some enforcement/treatment of speeding offenses toward technology-enabled accountability rather than relying solely on fines and suspensions.
  • Imposes ongoing costs on offenders (leasing/installing/maintaining ISA devices) and creates an administrative framework for certification, data management, and monitoring.
  • Creates liability protections for manufacturers/distributors of aftermarket ISA devices with narrow exceptions.
  • Requires data collection and annual reporting to monitor effectiveness and adjust policy as needed.

Who is Affected

  • Eligible offenders with license suspensions for excessive speeding or multiple moving violations.
  • Offenders subject to license reinstatement or restricted licenses.
  • ISA device providers and installers (subject to certification and background checks).
  • Vehicle manufacturers (indirectly, by clarification of aftermarket ISA applicability).
  • Courts and the Department of Motor Vehicles (administration, compliance monitoring, and reporting).

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s current text as introduced in the 2026 Rhode Island General Assembly and does not account for amendments that may occur during the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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