Speed limiters became mandatory for all new cars in the European Union (EU) on July 7, 2024. The UK has adopted this legislation so that they're consistent in road safety standards.
But what are speed limiters, and how do they really work? We're here to clear up any confusion.
What is a speed limiter?
A speed limiter is a safety device that fits into your vehicle. It ensures your car doesn't go over a certain speed set by you.
It's different to cruise control, which maintains a consistent speed as you drive so you don't have to use the accelerator as much. A speed limiter will let you accelerate and decelerate as you normally would. As long as you don't go above the speed limit you've set.
The purpose of cruise control is to help prevent fatigue, whereas a speed limiter acts as a speed warning system.
How do speed limiters work?
Speed limiters use GPS data and/or traffic-sign-recognition cameras to work out the maximum speed allowed in an area. The technology is called Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA) and keeps the engine's power and the car's speed to that limit.
Speed limiters have sensors to detect the car's speed. They communicate this information to the engine's computer. When the car reaches the predetermined speed, the computer limits the flow of fuel and air to the engine. This prevents the car from going any faster.
The speed limiter sends haptic, audio, and visual warnings if you go above the speed limit.
You can override the system if you press hard on the accelerator. But the system reactivates every time you start the car.
Does my car have a speed limiter?
If your car was made after 6 July 2022, it likely has a speed limiter. The European Union requires all new cars sold in the UK to have a speed limiter.
Here are some ways to tell if your car has a speed limiter:
- Check the steering wheel or indicator stalk: Most speed limiters are controlled by a button with the letters "LIM" or a similar symbol.
- Check for a cruise control symbol: The symbol for cruise control is an arrow on the speedometer, which is similar to the symbol for a speed limiter.
Do I need to add a speed limiter to my car?
On 6th July 2022, speed limiters became a legal requirement for all new cars manufactured in Europe. If your car was manufactured after 6 July, 2022, it should already have a speed limiter.
All car manufacturers will be legally required to ensure any cars on sale in their showrooms have speed limiters fitted. Any showroom cars without speed limiters will need to have the technology retrofitted. Cars that have already been manufactured but not yet sold will need to be retrofitted with a speed limiter to comply with the law.
If you bought your car before July 2022, you won't be required to get a speed limiter fitted. There's a few exceptions though. GOV.UK states that a speed limiter must be fitted on the following vehicles:
- Vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats. For example, buses, minibuses, coaches, stretch limousines.
- Goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight of more than 3.5 tonnes.
Why were mandatory speed limiters being introduced in the UK?
Mandatory speed limiters are there to boost road safety. They also help to reduce emissions, and improve fuel efficiency.
It's also true that many vehicles sold in the UK are manufactured in Europe. It could be more cost-effective for manufacturers to include the same systems in UK cars.
Do speed limiters mean I won’t get a fine for speeding?
No, having a speed limiter doesn't mean you won't get a speeding fine.
Even if your car has a speed limiter, you're still responsible for driving within the speed limit. You can override a speed limiter by pressing down on the accelerator.
Some cars have an intelligent speed limiter that uses a camera to identify speed limit signs. But these cameras aren't perfect and may misinterpret signs.
Ultimately, you still need speed awareness when driving your car, and are responsible for staying within the speed limit. If you do get caught speeding, our speeding fine calculator can help work out how much you could pay.
Why is the UK adopting speed limiters even though we've left the EU?
Many vehicles sold in the UK are manufactured in Europe, so it could be more cost-effective for manufacturers to include the same systems in UK cars.
Speed limiters also help improve road safety, which can benefit all road users in the UK. They also help improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
The UK has also introduced a number of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And transition to a net zero economy. Speed limiters could help the UK to achieve these environmental goals.
Will speed limiters affect my car insurance?
Yes, speed limiters can affect your car insurance. They can reduce your premiums, but it depends on several factors:
- Safety: Speed limiters can help prevent speeding, which can reduce the risk of accidents and the number of penalty points drivers get.
- The car insurance company: Some insurers may view speed limiters as a positive safety feature and offer lower premiums for vehicles with them. Each insurer has its own way of calculating premium costs though, so it can vary.
- Driving history: Your driving history will affect your insurance costs.
- Policy: Each insurer is different, and their specific policies can affect your insurance costs.
Speed limiter systems include a data logger, or black box, that records the car's speed and location. This data can be used by insurers to determine if the driver was exceeding the speed limit at the time of an accident.
Can I fit a speed limiter to my car?
Yes, you can fit a speed limiter to your car. But you should get a professional to do this for you. You can search for an approved speed limiter centre near you at GOV.UK. You may come across these companies offering the service:
- Rostra Accessories: Offers vehicle-specific speed-limiting modules that are tamper-proof and can't be altered by the driver.
- AutoKontrol: Offers a mobile service to supply and install speed limiters in cars, vans, and light commercial vehicles.
- CANM8: Offers vehicle-specific speed limiters that come with a plug-and-play pedal harness and a CAN lead to connect to the vehicle's CAN Bus system.
Speed limiter removal: is it allowed?
No, it's illegal to remove speed limiters from a vehicle that's legally required to have one.
Removing a speed limiter undermines road safety regulations. You might also face a hefty fine, license suspension, and legal consequences if you remove one.
While removing a speed limiter is generally illegal, there might be very limited exceptions. Vehicles used on private tracks or specifically modified for racing purposes might be exceptions. But this would need careful consideration of local laws and proper documentation beforehand.
What cars have speed limiters already installed?
Many manufacturers have already started including factory-fitted ISA in some of their cars. Here are a few who have made the leap:
- Citroen
- Ford
- Honda
- Jaguar
- Peugeot
- Renault
- Volvo
Renault Group also went a step further by limiting the top speed of all new Renault and Citroen cars to 112 mph to increase safety.
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