Speed Limiter: 4 Reasons to Buy a Car with a Speed Limiter

According to a recent survey, one-third of all road deaths in the UK are caused by overspeeding. That’s where a speed limiter can play the role of a lifesaver.

As per the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), the speed limiters would reduce accidents by 30%, saving around 25,000 lives in the next 15 years.

But what is a speed limiter, and how does it work? More importantly, is it mandatory for all cars? Let’s have a look at the benefits of buying a car with a speed limiter, along with answering all the relevant questions that come to mind.

What is a Speed Limiter? How Does it Work?

A speed limiter is a device programmed to prevent a vehicle from exceeding the pre-set speed limits. There are different types of speed limiters, and each works differently, but the goal is the same: to avoid over-speeding incidents and speeding tickets by speed cameras. Here’s how different types of speed limiters work:

Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL)

ISL, also known as an intelligent speed assistance (ISA) system, works by using data from speed sign recognition software and the car’s GPS system. It determines the speed limits according to your location and surroundings to prevent you from overspeeding.

Based on the type of car you’re driving, it may show you a warning first and then may take actions like increasing upward pressure on the gas pedal so that you’re unable to accelerate further. In some cars, the ISA system may intervene by limiting the fuel supply to the engine.

Adjustable Speed Limiter (ASL)

An adjustable speed limiter works exactly the same way as an ISL, but instead of relying on road signs and GPS data for speed limits, you can adjust the speed limit yourself. You can adjust the limits of an ASL by using buttons on the steering wheel or an indicator stalk. These buttons usually have a symbol accompanied by the letter “LEM.”

High-Performance Speed Limiters

There is a third type of speed limiter found only in high-performance cars. This is probably the oldest type of speed limiter, as supercar companies have been installing them for driver’s safety for the last decade or so.

For example, German car brands restrict the top speed of their high-performance models to 155 mph. These limiters are usually in-built and cannot be deactivated.

Is it Mandatory to Have a Speed Limiter in Your Car?

Yes, it is mandatory for all new cars to be sold in the UK to have a speed limiter. The legislation regarding speed limiters was passed by the EU on July 6, 2022, and added to the UK laws.

Even after Brexit, the law still applies to not only the UK but all European Union countries. In fact, car manufacturers were given a deadline of July 7, 2024, to retrofit all of their existing models currently in showrooms with speed limiters. So, next time you’re in the market for a new car, it might be a good idea to look for one with a speed limiter.

Legally, we’re treading on a very fine line here. It’s mandatory to have speed limiters in new cars, but rules regarding their activation and deactivation are a grey area that needs to be addressed. With proactive legislation on road safety, we can expect that to happen in the near future.

4 Benefits of a Speed Limiter

Legality aside, speed limiters are useful devices that can benefit you in many ways:

1. Enhanced Road Safety

As pointed out earlier, 33% of all road collisions happen due to overspeeding. Speed limiters can be a lifesaver in this scenario, and all the projections by institutions such as Euro NCAP show that they can enhance overall road safety by keeping drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe.

2. Avoid Speeding Tickets

The minimum speeding fine in the UK is £100 fine, and 3 penalty points are added to your licence. Speed limiters can be a great way to stick to the limit without having to check your speedometer. You can avoid tickets from the average speed cameras as well.

Plus, in today’s age, where drivers are often busy on their mobile phones or smart devices while driving, having a speed limiter is a blessing. Alternatively, if you have been offered to attend a national speed awareness course, a speed limiter may demonstrate your understanding of safe speeds.

3. Fuel Cost Savings

It’s no hidden secret that fuel consumption of cars increases exponentially once they cross the 50 mph mark. So, investing in a speed limiter can be a smart choice for frugal drivers as it can help them save significant amounts of money in fuel costs.

4. Reduced Carbon Emissions

Speed limiters will not only save fuel by cutting off its supply to the engine but also reduce the carbon footprint of your car. Especially if you drive an older car, having a speed limiter can reduce carbon emissions and make your car better for the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you deactivate a speed limiter?

Yes, you can deactivate different speed limiters in different ways. If you push down hard on the accelerator, it will automatically surpass the pre-set speed limit. For cars with adjustable speed limiters, you can set the national speed limit by using buttons marked with the letters “LIM.” They can be found on the steering wheel or near the instrument cluster.

What are the disadvantages of speed limiters?

While there are so many benefits to having a speed limiter, the technology itself is in a very early stage, so it has some flaws. Sometimes, the road sign recognition software reads the signs incorrectly and prevents your car from even going to the allowed national speed limit.

In the worst-case scenario, it may over-adjust the speed and result in hefty speeding fines. Another disadvantage is that not all speed limiters are placed in the direct eye line of drivers, which can cause a distraction.

Is a speed limiter different from cruise control?

Yes, cruise control only allows your car to maintain a preset speed, whereas a speed limiter prevents your car from going over the speed limit. However, some cars have smart cruise controls that won’t work over a certain speed limit. But that, too, is very different from a speed limiter.

The symbols for cruise control and speed limiters can often be confusing. Sometimes, there are no LIM letters to indicate a speed limiter; instead, it’s a speedometer with an arrow. But here, the trick to distinguish is that the arrow in the cruise control symbol is always pointing inwards toward the speedometer, while for the speed limiter, it is usually pointed in the clockwise direction.

Wrapping Up: 4 Reasons to Buy a Car with a Speed Limiter

In light of the recent legislation and benefits presented by the proper use of speed limiters, it might be a good idea to look for a car pre-fitted with a speed limiter. Though the reliability of speed limiters is still in question, things are taking a course toward improved road safety.