Technological advancements are affecting absolutely every aspect of our lives, including road safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that one-third of road accidents are the result of speeding in the United States. This is why different states have implemented their own road safety legislation, with speed limits and fines that vary depending on where the offense occurs. In Florida, a law has been passed that increases the amount of fines and even imposes prison sentences starting at 30 days for drivers who exceed the limits.
In North Dakota, they have approved a tiered fine system, with minimum fines of $20 or $5 for every mile over the limit. Since July 1, the “Georgia House Bill 296” was approved in Georgia, allowing drivers to use the mDL (mobile Driver’s License). Until July 1, 2027, it will be mandatory to carry the digital driver’s license, as not all police officers will have digital license readers by then. In the case of the Idaho House of Representatives, the implementation of the mDL is also being considered. The arrival of autonomous driving seems to be here to stay, so there is an urgent need to establish clear legislation for this type of situation.
The state of Austin, Texas, is the favorite of companies like Alphabet, Amazon, Volkswagen, Avride, or Tesla, as explained by Avride’s head of communications to CNBC, Yulia Shveyko, “In Texas, [the regulations are] the same throughout the state, and this is one of the great things about being here as an operator”. However, we will have to wait and see what the road legislation for autonomous driving will be, as well as the ethical considerations that have not yet been addressed.
Technology and road safety
Road safety is one of the main concerns of authorities in the United States. Changes are constantly made to ensure that the correct measures are taken to guarantee the safety of drivers and passengers. Technology is increasingly encompassing more areas of our lives, including the regulation of our roads and the design of our vehicles. This is why road safety authorities must adapt and update in accordance with new needs.
Changes in traffic legislation
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one third of the accidents on the roads in the United States result from speeding. In light of this issue, each state has the authority to modify legislation and impose specific penalties within its territory. This is the case in Florida, whose new regulation not only increases the amount of fines but also includes jail sentences starting from 30 days for offenders for speeding. For its part, North Dakota approved the implementation of its new measures this month, through which the interstate speed limit increases, as do the fines for speeding, with a minimum amount of $20 or $5 for each mile over the limit.
Digital licenses policies
The Georgia House of Representatives approved Bill 296, which came into effect on July 1, 2025. With this new measure, Georgia residents will be able to present a digital license or mobile mDL if requested by authorities. However, it is still mandatory to carry the physical license, as authorities will not be equipped to read digital licenses until July 2027. However, starting from that date, the physical permit will not be mandatory. This new digital measure is being considered by other states, such as the Idaho House of Representatives.
Traffic laws in Texas
Autonomous driving is a future that is getting closer. This is why companies like Alphabet, Amazon, Volkswagen, Avride, and Tesla choose the capital of Texas, Austin, to implement their autonomous driving pilot programs. According to Yulia Shveyko, head of Communications at Avride, in a statement to CNBC, “In Texas, [the regulations are] the same throughout the state, and this is one of the great things about being here as an operator”. However, it remains pending for state and federal authorities to agree on specific and detailed legislation for autonomous driving.