OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Gov. Bob Ferguson has signed a new law aimed at slowing down speeding drivers.

Gov. Ferguson signed HB 1596 into law on the afternoon of Monday, May 12.

The bill, also known as the BEAM Act, requires those convicted of serious speeding charges to have a speed limiter installed in their vehicle.

Intelligent Speed Assistance devices purposefully keep a vehicle driving at or below a posted speed limit.

Data from the state’s Traffic Safety Commission shows that fatal crashes due to speeding have gone up by 40% between 2019 and 2023.

The BEAM Act was named in honor of four victims killed in Renton after a car going 112 in a 35 mph area smashed into their vehicle.