Whenever the topic of speed limiters for trucks comes up in online trucking forums, it stirs up a lot of controversy. This happens because it is a complex issue, arousing emotions on both sides.
But first, a few words of explanation for those not very interested in motor vehicles and for whom the term “speed limiter” doesn’t mean much. A speed limiter for a truck is an electronic or mechanical device that prevents exceeding a certain speed. It works by limiting the fuel and air that reach the engine, which in turn limits engine power and vehicle speed.
The two main arguments of proponents of introducing this device are safety and environmental protection. Safety, because speed limiters for trucks are seen as a way to improve the safety of all road users and reduce the number of accidents, especially those with fatal consequences.
Reducing speed, in addition to safety, is also associated with lower fuel consumption and, consequently, lower emissions of harmful exhaust gases, which means benefits for the environment.
The main arguments of opponents of introducing speed limiters are the costs for carriers and the negative impact on the national economy.
Indeed, trucking companies would have to install these devices in every truck at their own expense, which would burden their budgets, and in addition, funds would have to flow from taxpayers’ pockets to government organizations to enforce the new law.
Speed limiters for trucks can also negatively impact the economy. Lower speeds can lengthen delivery times and increase transportation costs.
It would be worthwhile to invite our Canadian colleagues to the debate on the installation of speed limiters in American trucks, whose eighteen-wheelers have already had this device for some time and the maximum speed they can travel on Canadian highways is 65 miles per hour. As of today, this only applies to two provinces, Ontario and Quebec, but it should be remembered that trucks coming there from other places, including the USA, must comply with this law.
In the US, proposals for a new speed limiter law were to be published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) last month, but have been delayed until May 2025.
The proposed regulations, according to which trucks over 26,000 pounds would have to be equipped with an electronic speed limiter that would allow travel at an as yet unspecified speed, were originally to be issued in mid-2023.
The deadline for submitting the controversial proposal, which generated nearly 16,000 comments on government websites, has been postponed three times since then.
The final shape of the regulations and their impact on the transportation industry remain unknown. However, it is worth following further developments and joining the discussion so that legislators make decisions based on the experiences and views of people for whom the introduction of one form or another of this law will have a colossal impact on their professional lives.
Wishing you wide and safe roads from ALL ABOUT TRUCKS & TransLab!! We put Truckers first!!
