I think this idea has merit, though there are some problems. Older cars don't have GPS, so this penalizes people who buy newer cars. There would no doubt be ways to defeat the system. Some wise guy could probably find a way to make his GPS report that it is someone else's car, so the other guy will get all of his tickets.

Nonetheless, I think that eventually this sort of thing will probably be done to some degree. Someday, all cars might be required to have GPS and the system may be too sophisticated to trick, especially with the added evidence from cameras and/or witnesses.

Speeding itself is not dangerous, and is actually safer than driving with the flow of traffic (fewer accidents per million vehicle miles). This has been extensively studied by insurance companies and the department of transportation. Speed limits do not actually control how fast people drive. The United States Department of Transportation preformed a study where speed limits on various roads and highways was altered up and down anywhere from +20 mph to -20 mph. There was no difference in average traffic flow on that road. That is, even when drivers were allowed to drive 20 mph faster, they did not. They didn't slow down, either.

Strictly enforcing an artificial speed limit (one that is not set based on the natural flow of traffic for that road) increases accidents, increases road rage, and causes congestion (thereby contributing to pollution).

Seriously guys, I've seen so may automotive suggestions on this website that make absolutely no sense. Do at least a little research before suggesting such broad and invasive public surveillance, especially something so inane as traffic laws.

The answer is more POLICE enforcement, not mechanical devices that fail at the most inopportune times.

Big Brother is watching you drive.

toastydeath you are obviously young, and beleive everything you read on the internet. As you get older you will see the value of safety (including enforced speed limits) on the road. I pray that your username is not a prelude to your automobile related demise, considering your comments.

russdewolfe: You are obviously older, and sound as though you've lost a loved one through reckless driving. While I can't say for sure whether or no you have, I can say that losing someone to reckless driving makes that person no more an expert on speed limits or vehicle safety than losing a loved one to radiation poisoning makes them an expert on nuclear physics.

Speed limits, in the modern incarnation, increase danger to the public. I'm not reading this "on the internet;" I'm reading this from the department of transportation. Speed limits, when accurately set, are a tremendous boon. You, however, seem to advocate the current and ineffective arbitrary limit. I am advocating that limits to speed be set based on statistical models and fluid dynamics.

My rage at these suggestions stems from the enforcement of a dangerous law. People, who have done no research or investigation into the subject, start clamoring for increased speed enforcement. I'm sorry, but as a younger person, I have a lot longer to live than you do. Maybe you feel differently, but I'd like to not die quite so early in a traffic accident that could have been avoided by implementing scientifically backed laws, and enforcing them appropriately.

Many "older" people believe they are skilled drivers through experience. This is simply false. Without someone to constantly correct and provide feedback on driving, bad habits form. Yet the driver will feel justified, as "I've been doing this for thirty years!" kicks in, despite modern studies and research that go into the subject. Older drivers would argue with established researchers with nothing to back it up other than presumed competency at driving.

I am glad you have done your homework and discovered that faster speed limits are safer. I would not argue that point, however, I think when speed limits are raised to the level of timeliness and safety, that the public as a whole agrees on, they should then be enforced.I appreciate your facts and your level headed approach.

It would be impossible to enforce the ticket because undoubtly units would show some failer rate thus voiding the reliabilty.