The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has officially withdrawn its long-running effort to require speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks, concluding a debate that has spanned decades.
The rule would have required truck owners to install devices that cap truck speeds at 68 mph, but federal regulators determined the proposal lacked sufficient safety justification, was out of step with state speed laws and could create more risks than it reduced.
This decision closes a chapter in the industry’s regulatory history. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said data gaps, uncertain crash-prevention benefits and concerns about reducing drivers’ operating ranges made the rule untenable.
Speed limiters, sometimes called governors, are devices installed in a vehicle’s electronic control unit to restrict maximum speed. The idea was to set the cap between 60 and 68 mph for trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds, which proponents say would reduce crash severity when accidents occur.
However, opponents argued that forcing trucks to travel significantly slower than surrounding traffic would increase the likelihood of rear-end crashes and unsafe passing situations.
Many industry associations supported the withdrawal. They contend that modern safety technologies now widely deployed across fleets offer more effective protections than a speed cap.
Technologies that may do more for safety
Groups like the Truckload Carriers Association have emphasized that adaptive safety systems may deliver greater safety outcomes without sacrificing operational efficiency.
Industry players point to a suite of advanced driver-assist systems and monitoring tools already in use that collectively target the main causes of truck crashes:
- Automatic emergency braking — Detects obstacles and applies brakes when a driver does not respond in time.
- Forward collision warning systems — Alerts drivers to potential crashes with vehicles ahead.
- Adaptive cruise control — Maintains safe following distances by adjusting truck speed automatically.
- Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist — Helps prevent drift-related accidents by monitoring truck position.
- Electronic stability control — Reduces rollover risks by applying brakes selectively to keep the vehicle stable.
- Telematics and driver monitoring — Provides real-time data on driver behavior, enabling coaching and proactive intervention.
Supporters of these technologies argue they address the root causes of crashes, such as distraction and fatigue, more effectively than simply limiting speed.
The takeaway
The DOT’s withdrawal means fleets will not face a federally mandated limiter requirement.
Still, insurers will continue offering premium discounts for voluntary adoption of safety technologies like the ones mentioned above. If you have questions about your commercial auto insurance and possible discounts for installing these devices, please give us a call.
