The DRIVE Act Now Challenges Speed Limiter Mandate in the Senate

Senate Bill Seeks to Block Speed Limiter Mandate

A new bill in the U.S. Senate aims to stop federal efforts to require speed limiter devices on heavy-duty trucks. The bill is called the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act. It was introduced by Senator Steve Daines of Montana.

FMCSA Speed Limiter Rule Expected in May 2025

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is planning to publish a proposed rule in May 2025. This rule would require the use of speed limiter systems on large commercial vehicles. Many in the trucking industry are concerned. They say the rule could increase traffic risks instead of improving safety.

Senator Daines says his bill will prevent the FMCSA from enforcing this rule.

“Washington, D.C. bureaucrats should not be telling Montanans how or what to drive. Burdening our truckers, farmers, and ranchers with unnecessary speed limiter regulations would do nothing but cause congestion and higher crash rates,” Daines stated. “The DRIVE Act will help keep our trucks safe on the road as they support Montana’s economy.”

House Version of the Bill Introduced in April

The Senate bill follows a similar proposal introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. In April 2025, Representative Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma introduced a bill also called the DRIVE Act.

TruckDriverNews.com previously covered that bill. Like the Senate version, it aims to stop the FMCSA from requiring a speed limiter on commercial trucks.

Both bills reflect growing opposition to federal rules that many say could make highways less safe.

Trucking and Agricultural Groups Support the DRIVE Act

The DRIVE Act has support from many national organizations. These groups represent truck drivers, small business owners, farmers, and equipment dealers. They believe a mandatory speed limiter rule would be dangerous.

They say it would cause unsafe speed differences between trucks and other vehicles. That, they argue, could lead to more crashes. Groups that support the bill include:

• Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)
• National Association of Small Trucking Companies
• North American Punjabi Trucking Association
• United States Cattlemen’s Association
• American Farm Bureau Federation
• Agricultural Retailers Association
• National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
• National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
• Towing and Recovery Association of America, Inc
• Associated Equipment Distributors
• Mid-West Truckers Association

OOIDA has strongly opposed the idea of speed limiter rules for years. The group says speed limits set by devices could lead to road rage and traffic jams.

OOIDA President Warns of Safety Risks

OOIDA President Todd Spencer spoke out in support of the DRIVE Act.

“No one is more committed to safe highways than America’s truck drivers,” said Spencer. “We share the same goal as every motorist—arriving safely. But forcing trucks to operate below the speed of traffic makes roads less safe by creating speed differences and more risky interactions.”

He continued:

“We appreciate Senator Daines’ leadership in standing with truckers and working to protect all road users from the dangers of a one-size-fits-all federal speed limiter regulation.”

Congress to Decide Fate of Speed Limiter Rule

Both the House and Senate versions of the DRIVE Act are now moving through Congress. If they pass and are signed into law, the FMCSA would not be able to require speed limiter devices on trucks.

Many in the trucking industry are keeping a close watch. The FMCSA’s proposed rule is expected soon. Whether Congress acts in time remains to be seen.