Speed Limiters Coming to Millions of U.S. Cars

Ah, the magic of satellites.

A few times over the last couple of years, I've written about initiatives to let the government monitor your car's whereabouts at all times. Some of these schemes would also allow human traffic monitors to disable your vehicle from a distance, or to forcibly lower your speed from some operations center hundreds or thousands of miles away. It could even be done automatically.

These proposals were only taken seriously by lawmakers in England and Canada, I thought, but now the United States is getting in on the act, and General Motors is leading the way. With 'enhanced On-Star' becoming a reality in less than two years, it'll be technically possible to eradicate speeding.

A modern car is controlled by computers; the computers are now tied into GPS systems such as OnStar — which have the ability to send and receive electronic transmissions, including instructions that tell the computer how to run the car. "Smart" speed limit signs can now be fitted with transmitters; when a car with "enhanced" OnStar comes into range, the transmitter tells the car's computer what the maximum allowable speed shall be — and ye shall drive no faster.

That may be the best reason yet to refuse to buy a GM car (as if you needed another one). I think I'll be happy with my 1997 Swedish ragtop (which is presumably too low-tech to have such a system retrofitted) for a very long time to come.

[hat tip: Martin Owens]

Comments

[Jozef]

I work for a company that does GPS tracking for trucks. In Brazil, for example, we offer a feature that allows the fleet operator to cut off gas from the engine if the truck deviates from a predetermined route.

Working with GPS devices has taught me a thing of two of the system's capabilities. One thing to consider is that the GPS antenna needs line of sight with the sky. A GPS antenna, even as powerful as the ones we use, will not receive satellite lock if it's inside the cabin or the car is parked in a garage. As such, disabling GPS on the GM cars can be as simple as removing the antenna or wrapping it into aluminum foil.

Now, there's another system, which On-Star may be using, given its capabilities - GPRS (data transmissions over cell phone network). The bad news is that disabling GPRS is a little more tricky; the good news is that GPRS communication still requires monthly payments, and thus you should be able to opt out by simply not paying.

[greg]

Not to worry. GM will be out of business in 5 - 10 yrs anyways.

Besides which, whenever this stuff crops up, there is a dedicated few who will overcome it.

My buddy bought an Aprilia Mille a few years back. It had an intake restrictor on it that took the HP from 130 down to about 95 (some law requires it when that bike is imported to the US). When he picked up the bike, the dealer printed him out detailed instructions as to how to remove it. He wasn't allowed to himself, but tells everyone who buys one how to do it.

There's nothing they can put on a car or bike that can't be removed after purchase.

[greg]

Not to worry. GM will be out of business in 5 - 10 yrs anyways.

Besides which, whenever this stuff crops up, there is a dedicated few who will overcome it.

My buddy bought an Aprilia Mille a few years back. It had an intake restrictor on it that took the HP from 130 down to about 95 (some law requires it when that bike is imported to the US). When he picked up the bike, the dealer printed him out detailed instructions as to how to remove it. He wasn't allowed to himself, but tells everyone who buys one how to do it.

There's nothing they can put on a car or bike that can't be removed after purchase.

[Doug]

Glad i drive a 88 camaro, fuk off piggies