The American Spectator

The Nation's Pulse

Engine Turnoff

By Eric Peters on 10.16.07 @ 12:07AM

(Page 2 of 2)

What about the children, after all?

And if that's not alarming enough, consider the likely follow-up. Once all new cars are fitted with in-car speed nannies, the glassy eye of government will very likely turn its gaze upon older cars -- especially older pre-computer cars, which can't be electronically controlled because there is no on-board electronic controller. The old car hobby is already (justly) alarmed by recent changes in antique/classic car licensing and registration laws -- which are making it harder and more expensive to keep an older car on the road.

In Virginia, for example, changes to the laws governing antique vehicle registration now empower police to conduct what amount to "roadside safety checks." If the cop decides your antique vehicle doesn't meet this or that jot or tittle of the law, he can seize your plates on the spot and have your antique vehicle towed to the impound lot -- notwithstanding that most cops don't have any specific knowledge of what is or isn't "right" about decades-old vehicles.

Now the authorities have a new tool in their kit. A cudgel by which they cannot only beat speeders into submission -- but which could very well be used to take older cars off the road forever. Consider yourself warned.

And remember to say "thanks, GM."

Letter to the Editor

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