Speed Limiter Rule Will Now Be Withdrawn by the FMCSA

FMCSA and NHTSA Withdraw Speed Limiter Proposal for Trucks

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have officially withdrawn a proposal that would have required the use of a speed limiter on heavy commercial trucks. The rule was under development for nearly a decade but faced strong opposition and mounting concerns about its impact.

Speed Limiter Rule Would Have Set Truck Speed Caps

The original speed limiter rule was introduced in 2016. It would have applied to commercial trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds. The plan required trucks to use an engine control unit (ECU) to cap top speeds at 60, 65, or 68 miles per hour. The limit would have stayed in place for the life of the vehicle.

In 2022, FMCSA issued another notice showing the agency still intended to move forward with the plan. That announcement received even more public comments, with the majority opposing the rule.

Trucking Industry Split Over Proposed Rule

Some groups supported the idea of a speed limiter for safety and environmental reasons. They argued that limiting truck speeds could reduce crash severity and save fuel. Supporters included the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Trucking Alliance, and Road Safe America.

But most drivers and small carriers pushed back against the proposal. Groups like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and United Parcel Service (UPS) argued the rule would create safety hazards. They said slower trucks would lead to dangerous traffic situations, such as cars attempting risky passing maneuvers.

Others raised concerns about lost income. Many drivers are paid by the mile. Slower speeds could reduce the number of miles they drive in a day. That would mean lower pay and fewer deliveries. Some said it would also lead to driver fatigue and stress.

Safety Tech Makes Speed Limiter Less Necessary

FMCSA and NHTSA pointed to rapid advances in vehicle safety technology as a reason to pull back the speed limiter rule. Today’s trucks increasingly come with systems like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning (FCW). These tools can help prevent or lessen the impact of crashes without needing to limit a truck’s speed.

The agencies said, “regulation in this area should not proceed until a more certain assessment of the effect of advanced crash avoidance technologies can be made.” They believe these technologies may solve the problems the rule was meant to address.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) also said newer safety tech may reduce the need for a federally mandated speed limiter. Still, OOIDA and others noted concerns about false braking events caused by AEB systems.

Economic Costs of Speed Limiter Rule Raise Concerns

The speed limiter plan also raised financial and operational issues. The original proposal was estimated to cost between $209 million and $1.5 billion per year, depending on the set speed.

FMCSA and NHTSA were not able to predict how the industry would adjust. If trucks were forced to travel slower, companies might need more trucks to meet delivery schedules. That would increase traffic, raise costs, and cancel out fuel savings.

The agencies also lacked data on how the rule would impact time-sensitive industries like agriculture. Many commenters said the speed limiter rule would hurt small carriers the most. But there wasn’t enough evidence to measure the full effect.

Legal and State Authority Concerns Around Speed Limiter

Another problem with the speed limiter rule was its potential conflict with federal law. Some groups said it would go against the 1995 repeal of the national speed limit. That law returned control of speed limits to the states.

FMCSA and NHTSA agreed that the rule might violate this principle. They also noted that many states allow trucks to travel faster than the proposed limits. A federal rule could override those state decisions, limiting flexibility.

Speed Limiter Use Remains a Carrier Choice

Even though the rule has been withdrawn, carriers can still use a speed limiter if they choose. Most newer trucks already have ECUs that allow speed settings. Many large fleets already set limits voluntarily to manage fuel use and safety.

This change simply removes the possibility of a federal mandate. It does not stop companies from using a speed limiter if it fits their operations.

A Move Toward Deregulation

This decision falls under a recent executive order focused on reducing regulations that do not have strong support or clear benefits. FMCSA and NHTSA said the speed limiter rule had too many unanswered questions about safety, cost, and impact.

They believe that modern safety tools and voluntary programs are a better way forward. If stronger data becomes available in the future, the agencies may revisit the issue.

For now, the speed limiter rule—first introduced in 2016 and reconsidered in 2022—is officially off the table.