As of 2022, speed limiters have become a mandatory feature in all new cars sold within the European Union. This regulation aims to improve road safety by reducing accidents caused by speeding.

For those considering vehicle leasing, car enthusiasts, or everyday drivers looking to purchase their next vehicle, it's essential to understand how speed limiters work and the impact they have on driving. This technology is now a standard feature in many new vehicles.

Let’s delve into the details of speed limiters, the rules surrounding them, and what this means for drivers and the automotive industry.

What Are Speed Limiters?

Speed limiters, also known as Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems, are advanced technologies designed to prevent vehicles from exceeding speed limits. These systems use a combination of GPS, cameras, and data from digital maps to determine the speed limit of the road you’re driving on. If the driver goes over the speed limit, the speed limiter will issue a warning and can even intervene by reducing engine power to help the driver slow down.

How Do Speed Limiters Work?

The speed limiter technology integrates several components to monitor and manage your speed:

1. GPS Data and Digital Maps: The system uses real-time GPS data and pre-loaded digital maps to determine the current speed limit of the road.
2. Camera-Based Recognition: A forward-facing camera can read road signs, cross-referencing the information with GPS data to ensure accuracy.
3. Driver Feedback: When a driver exceeds the speed limit, the system provides visual and audible warnings, prompting the driver to slow down. If the driver does not respond, the ISA can gently reduce engine power to bring the speed down to the limit.
4. Driver Control: Although the system is proactive, drivers retain the ability to override the speed limiter temporarily by pressing harder on the accelerator—though this is designed to discourage continuous speeding.

Speed Limiter Regulations: What You Need to Know

Since July 2022, all new cars sold in the EU must come equipped with speed limiters as part of a broader effort to improve road safety. Here are some key rules and features of the regulation:

• Mandatory for All New Cars: The regulation applies to all new passenger cars, vans, trucks, and buses sold in the EU. While the UK is no longer part of the EU, it has decided to adopt the same regulations to maintain consistency in road safety standards.
• Driver Alerts: The ISA systems must provide clear warnings when the vehicle exceeds the speed limit. This includes a combination of visual, audible, and haptic (e.g., pedal feedback) alerts.
• Speed Limiting Intervention: If the driver ignores the alerts, the system will automatically reduce the car’s speed. However, this intervention is gentle and designed to maintain a level of driver control.
• Data Privacy: The systems do not record or transmit personal data, ensuring drivers’ privacy is maintained while using these safety features.

Impact on Driving and Road Safety

The introduction of mandatory speed limiters is a significant step toward reducing road accidents and fatalities. Speeding is a leading cause of accidents, and by limiting speeds, these systems can help prevent collisions and save lives.

For leased vehicles, this not only enhances the safety of the driver but also protects the investment of the leasing company. Additionally, speed limiters can contribute to more uniform traffic flow and reduced fuel consumption, as driving at consistent speeds is typically more efficient.

What Does This Mean for Fleet Managers?

For businesses managing fleets, speed limiters offer a range of benefits:

• Enhanced Safety: Reducing the likelihood of accidents can lead to lower insurance premiums and less downtime due to vehicle repairs.
• Improved Compliance: Speed limiters ensure that fleet drivers adhere to speed limits, helping companies comply with road safety regulations and reducing the risk of legal liabilities.
• Fuel Efficiency: Maintaining regulated speeds can result in better fuel economy, which is beneficial for cost management in fleet operations. 

Challenges and Considerations

While speed limiters present numerous advantages, there are also some challenges and considerations to keep in mind:

• Driver Adaptation: Some drivers may find the intervention of speed limiters intrusive or frustrating, particularly in situations where they feel the speed limits are too low or not applicable. Drivers of lease vehicles can approach their leasing company to provide additional training or information.
• Accuracy Issues: Inaccurate speed limit data, such as incorrect GPS information or missed road signs, could cause confusion or unintended slowdowns.
• Maintenance: Like any other technology, speed limiters require maintenance and updates to function correctly. Fleet managers, and drivers of leased vehicles, should ensure that their vehicles’ systems are regularly checked and updated.

Speed limiters are poised to revolutionise road safety by making speed compliance easier and more consistent. For AMT Auto customers, whether you’re managing a fleet, considering leasing a vehicle, or looking to buy your next vehicle, understanding speed limiters is crucial as this technology features in the newest lease vehicles. Embracing these advancements can contribute to safer roads for everyone.