Mandatory speed limiters are systems built into cars to stop you from driving too fast. However, they’re not as restrictive as you’d think. 

Speed limiters are becoming a legal requirement across the UK as lawmakers aim to make roads safer and reduce road accidents. 

On this page, we’ll explain how they work, which cars are affected, and what British drivers need to know for 2025 and beyond.

Key takeaways

• What are mandatory speed limiters?
• Why are speed limiters needed?
• What are the legal requirements for speed limiters?
• Cars affected by the UK speed limiter rules
• Upcoming mandatory speed limiter regulations
• Does my car have a speed limiter?
• Do speed limiters mean you won’t get speeding fines?
• Last thoughts

What are mandatory speed limiters?

Mandatory speed limiters are systems that use smart speed-limiting tech (also known as Intelligent Speed Assistant ISA) to monitor and restrict your driving speed.

ISA uses GPS and camera-based traffic sign recognition to understand the speed limit in any given area. 

If the driver goes over the speed limit, the mandatory speed limiter reduces the engine's power and slows the car. The driver will also receive a visual or audio warning if they exceed the speed limit. 

For example, if the car determines that the speed limit is 30mph and you try to do 40mph,  your car will push back slightly on the pedal to warn you and reduce speed.

Can you override the system?

Sometimes, you need to break the speed limit if a situation puts you or others in danger. 

In these cases, the system can be overridden so, if you need to accelerate quickly to avoid a dangerous situation, you still can, but the system will kick back in soon after.

Why are speed limiters needed?

The main reason mandatory speed limiters have hit UK and EU roads is safety. 

Speeding is one of the biggest contributors to unsafe roads. The European Commission has stated that speeding is a key factor in 30% of fatal accidents and the UK Government has found that 50% of cars speed on 30mph roads.

The idea is that if everyone sticks to the limits with the help of speed limiters, roads become safer for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

These systems are part of a wider push towards smarter, safer driving tech. Just like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping systems.

What are the legal requirements for speed limiters?

Speed limiters have been a legal requirement for cars manufactured in Europe since 6 July 2022, and from 7 July 2024, all car manufacturers will be legally required to guarantee that all cars in their showrooms have speed limiters fitted. 

The limiters aren't just an EU scheme, though.

The July 2022 ruling was also put into UK law. So, it applies to all UK cars, even though they're not part of the EU. If you’re buying a new car from July 2024 onwards, it will come with a mandatory speed limiter. 

Cars affected by the UK speed limiter rules

All new cars sold from July 2024 must comply with mandatory speed limiter rules, including every major brand and model introduced since then.

Every new car sold, whether a fresh design or a long-standing favourite, must be equipped with a speed limiter. So even familiar models like the Ford Fiesta or VW Golf will include the technology.

Used cars that were registered before this rule came into effect won’t need to have the system retrofitted. So, if you’re driving a car that’s a few years old, you don’t need to worry (yet).

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. Some specialist vehicles, such as emergency services cars and vans, may be exempt.

Older cars registered before the rule changes also aren’t affected or required to have speed limiters retrofitted. This may change in the future, but for now, you won’t have to worry about this in your car repairs. 

However, if you need to manage the cost of any future repairs, car repair finance options can help you spread the cost of essential services.

Upcoming mandatory speed limiter regulations

The July 2024 ruling was the last big mandatory speed limiter ruling. 

Since then, no further updates to the law have been put in place, and there aren’t any further changes to be aware of. 

Some want to expand ISA systems and make them stricter to enforce speed limits more thoroughly. But for now, the focus is putting these systems into all new cars.

Does my car have a speed limiter?

If your car was made after July 2024, it very likely has a speed limiter. 

You can check the steering wheel or indicator stalk if you’re unsure. Look for a button with the letters “LIM.” You can also check for a cruise control symbol. This is signified by an arrow on the speedometer. 

Do speed limiters mean you won’t get speeding fines?

No. You can still get caught for speeding if you have a mandatory speed limiter, as you can override the system by accelerating harder. Ultimately, you’re still responsible for driving the speed limit.

Last thoughts

Mandatory speed limits at first sound like a dramatic change, but really, they’re a soft push towards safer driving without taking away your control.

If you’re purchasing a new car, make sure you ask about the ISA system and how it works to ensure you understand how the limiter will affect your drive.

Read more on the Bumper blog.

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