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Speed limiters are widely used in commercial trucks to improve safety, reduce fuel costs, and meet legal requirements. But one of the most common questions from fleet managers and drivers is:
👉 What speed is a limiter set for trucks?
The answer depends on country regulations, truck type, company policy, and safety goals. This guide explains real-world speed settings, legal limits, and how to choose the right speed for your fleet.
What Is a Truck Speed Limiter?
A truck speed limiter (speed governor) is an electronic system that restricts the maximum speed of a commercial vehicle. When the preset speed is reached, the system reduces engine power or throttle input to prevent further acceleration.
Speed limiters are commonly integrated with:
Engine ECU or CAN bus
Throttle control system
GPS telematics platforms
Fleet management software
Typical Speed Limiter Settings for Trucks
Common Global Speed Limiter Settings
Most commercial trucks worldwide are limited to:
80 km/h (50 mph)
90 km/h (56 mph)
100 km/h (62 mph)
These values balance safety, fuel efficiency, and delivery productivity.
Speed Limiter Settings by Region
Europe (EU & UNECE R89 Countries)
Heavy trucks (>3.5 tons): 90 km/h
Buses and coaches: 100 km/h
UNECE R89 regulation requires certified speed limiters for commercial vehicles.
United States
There is no nationwide mandatory truck speed limit, but many fleets set governors at:
65 mph (105 km/h)
68 mph (109 km/h)
70 mph (113 km/h)
Large carriers often use lower limits to reduce fuel and insurance costs.
Asia & Middle East
Typical limits range from:
80–100 km/h for heavy trucks
90–110 km/h for buses
Many countries mandate certified speed governors for commercial fleets.
Africa & Latin America
Common speed limiter settings:
80 km/h for trucks
90–100 km/h for buses
Enforcement varies, but regulations are expanding rapidly.
Why Are Truck Speed Limiters Set at These Speeds?
Safety and Accident Reduction
Speed is the biggest factor in fatal truck accidents. Lower top speeds:
Reduce stopping distance
Lower collision impact force
Protect pedestrians and smaller vehicles
Fuel Efficiency
Trucks consume significantly more fuel at high speeds. Limiting speed can:
Reduce fuel consumption by 5–20%
Lower fleet operating costs
Reduce carbon emissions
Tire and Mechanical Safety
Truck tires and drivetrains are rated for specific speeds. Speed limiters prevent:
Tire blowouts
Engine overheating
Drivetrain wear
Legal and Insurance Compliance
Many insurers offer lower premiums for speed-limited fleets. Some countries require certified speed limiters for road compliance.
Different Speed Limits for Different Truck Types
Heavy-Duty Long-Haul Trucks
Typical limiter range:
90–110 km/h (56–68 mph)
Balanced for highways and fuel economy.
Medium-Duty Delivery Trucks
Typical limiter range:
70–90 km/h (43–56 mph)
Ideal for urban delivery and safety.
Mining and Construction Trucks
ypical limiter range:
20–60 km/h
Lower speeds due to harsh environments and safety risks.
Warehouse and Yard Trucks
Typical limiter range:
10–30 km/h
Focused on pedestrian safety and indoor operations.
How Fleets Choose the Right Speed Limiter Setting
Consider Road Conditions
Highways allow higher limits, while urban fleets need lower speeds to reduce accident risk.
Analyze Fuel and Cost Goals
Lower speeds save fuel but may reduce delivery speed. Many fleets optimize speed for total cost per kilometer, not maximum speed.
Review Legal Requirements
Always follow national or regional regulations (such as UNECE R89) to avoid fines and compliance issues.
Use Data and Telematics
Modern fleets use telematics data to:
Analyze driver behavior
Optimize speed policies
Adjust limits dynamically
Can Drivers Change or Remove Speed Limiters?
Factory (OEM) limiters are difficult to remove, but aftermarket systems must include:
Tamper detection
Secure firmware
Encrypted CAN communication
Many countries impose penalties for tampering with speed governors.
Future Trend: Intelligent Speed Limiting for Trucks
Truck speed limiting is evolving from fixed limits to smart dynamic speed control, including:
Geo-fenced speed zones
Weather-based speed adjustments
AI driver risk scoring
Integration with smart highways and cities
These systems improve safety without sacrificing productivity.
Conclusion: What Speed Is a Limiter Set for Trucks?
Most trucks worldwide use speed limiters between 80 and 100 km/h, while fleets in the US often choose 65–70 mph. The ideal setting depends on regulations, safety goals, fuel efficiency targets, and operating environment.
For modern fleets, speed limiters are not just compliance tools—they are strategic safety and cost-control technologies.
