Road safety in the United States is undergoing a period of transformation. Technological advances are not only changing the way people drive, but also the way traffic is regulated. Each state defines its own rules, creating a mosaic of legislation that directly affects the daily lives of millions of drivers.
Speeding remains one of the main problems on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one third of accidents are caused by this reason. For this reason, several states have started to impose harsher penalties or introduce legal innovations that seek to balance safety and modernity.
Technology and road safety
Florida is a clear example of tightening the law. The approved regulation raises the amount of fines and adds prison sentences starting at 30 days for those who exceed the limits. This is a strategy that combines financial penalties with legal consequences, sending a strong message to offenders.
In North Dakota, the change has been different. There, a new system of tiered fines was approved, setting a minimum of $20 or about $5 for each mile (1.6 km) over the limit. This formula seeks greater proportionality between the offense committed and the penalty applied.
Digitization is also making its way into this scenario. Since July 1, Georgia has allowed the use of digital driver's licenses (mDL) thanks to Bill 296. Although for now it is still necessary to carry the physical license, starting in July 2027 this requirement will be eliminated.
Changes in traffic legislation
Idaho is closely following this same path. The House of Representatives is analyzing the possibility of implementing the digital license system, which would expand the trend toward the progressive replacement of all physical documents. The goal is for technology to simplify police control and drivers' lives.
Texas appears on the map as the epicenter of autonomous driving. Austin is the city chosen by giants such as Alphabet, Amazon, Volkswagen, Avride, or Tesla to conduct tests. For these companies, uniform regulations throughout the state are a major attraction.
However, there is still no detailed legal framework for autonomous driving. Beyond pilot programs, state and federal authorities will have to define clear regulations that also include ethical considerations. The future of traffic seems tied to both digitization and automation.