Large commercial trucks are a vital part of transporting goods across our country, but their size and weight also make them a significant, sometimes dangerous, presence on the road. Because of this, regulations exist to help maintain safety, and one ongoing discussion involves using speed limiters on big trucks.
These devices restrict a rig’s maximum speed, reducing the risk of high-speed truck accidents.
While speed limiters are widely used, the question remains: Are they mandatory?
The Purpose of Speed Limiters
Speed limiters, or speed governors, are electronic devices installed in vehicles to cap the top speed. In commercial trucks, these devices aim to improve road safety, reduce fuel consumption, and lower emissions.
Big rigs traveling at excessive speeds require longer stopping distances, which increases the likelihood of truck accidents. Speed limiters help mitigate these dangers by ensuring trucks do not exceed a predetermined speed, which can also reduce the severity of crashes.
Many trucking companies install speed limiters to extend the vehicle’s lifespan, reduce fuel costs, and comply with safety policies.
However, whether these devices are legally required depends on federal and state regulations.
Federal Regulations on Speed Limiters
The debate over mandatory speed limiters has been ongoing for years. In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed a rule requiring speed limiters on commercial trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds.
The proposal suggested capping truck speeds at 60, 65, or 68 miles per hour, but it did not finalize a specific speed limit before being stalled in the regulatory process.
In 2022, the FMCSA revisited the proposal, indicating renewed efforts to mandate speed limiters.
The agency suggested requiring speed limiters on newly manufactured trucks and potentially retrofitting existing vehicles. No federal law mandates the use of speed limiters, but future regulations may change that.
State-Level Regulations
While no federal mandate currently requires speed limiters on all trucks, some states have their own speed restrictions for commercial vehicles.
States such as California impose lower speed limits for trucks than passenger vehicles, and Texas mandates a maximum truck speed of 70 mph during the day and 65 mph at night. In states where trucks have significantly lower speed limits than cars, speed limiters can help enforce compliance and prevent drivers from exceeding posted limits.
Some trucking companies install speed limiters voluntarily to help align with state speed laws and avoid fines. Even without a federal requirement, companies may still opt to limit truck speeds to ensure consistency across different regions.
Industry Practices and Opposition
Many large trucking companies use speed limiters to promote safety and fuel efficiency.
Nationwide companies often cap speeds between 60 and 70 miles per hour, even without a federal mandate. Fleet managers recognize the benefits of reduced wear and tear, lower fuel expenses, and fewer accident risks.
However, not everyone supports mandatory speed limiters. Some drivers argue that these devices could create more problems than they solve.
Trucks traveling significantly slower than surrounding traffic can lead to congestion, more frequent lane changes, and an increased risk of collisions. Opponents also state that being unable to accelerate quickly in emergencies could create further safety issues. Independent truck drivers, in particular, share concerns about reduced efficiency and longer travel times.
In an industry where timely deliveries impact profitability, some argue that speed limiters could make driving routes less efficient and negatively impact overall earnings.
The Safety Impact of Speed Limiters
Despite opposition, studies suggest that speed limiters improve road safety. Research conducted by the FMCSA found that trucks using speed limiters were involved in fewer high-speed crashes. Lower speeds result in less severe collisions and reduce the fatality and injury rates for all motorists.
Speed limiters also decrease the likelihood of rollovers and jackknife accidents, which are more common at high speeds.
By ensuring trucks stay within safe speed limits, these devices contribute to overall highway safety.
Potential Future Regulations
Current regulations from the federal government don’t require the use of speed limiters on all commercial trucks, but the FMCSA’s ongoing interest in them may suggest that changes could be on the horizon. If federal agencies move forward with a mandate, trucking companies will need to ensure compliance, likely leading to industry-wide adoption of speed-limiting technology.
Currently, the FMCSA has delayed the decision on a speed limiter rule until May 2025.
In addition to federal regulations, insurance companies may play a role in encouraging speed limiter use.
Fleets with speed limiters may receive lower insurance premiums, further incentivizing adoption even without a legal requirement.
What This Means for Truck Drivers and Motorists
A federal speed limiter mandate for truck drivers could mean adjustments to driving habits and scheduling. Companies that already enforce speed caps would likely see minimal changes, but independent drivers or smaller trucking businesses may face new compliance challenges.
Mandatory speed limiters on trucks could lead to safer road conditions for other motorists.
Reduced truck speeds mean fewer high-impact crashes, better traffic flow, and fewer dangerous overtaking maneuvers. However, some adjustments to highway driving may be necessary to accommodate trucks traveling at more consistent speeds.
While speed limiters are commonly used in the trucking industry, they’re not yet federally mandated, and current regulations vary by state.
Still, many trucking companies choose to install them voluntarily.
Balancing safety, efficiency, and industry concerns will be key as discussions continue.
Whether a federal mandate takes effect or not, speed limiters remain important in managing truck safety and reducing the risks associated with high-speed travel on highways.
If you have been involved in a truck-related crash, whether caused by speed or not, the team at Barrera Law Group, LLC, is here to help.