Drive-By-Wire (DBW) / System 80 Speed Limiter
Flagship Product
The electronic speed limiter standard for commercial vehicles. EU/ECE R89 approved, tamper-resistant, and trusted by fleet operators in over 30 countries. Designed and manufactured in the UK by AutoKontrol.
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What is a Drive-By-Wire Speed Limiter?
The AutoKontrol Drive-By-Wire (DBW) speed limiter, also known as System 80, is our flagship electronic speed limiting device. It works by intercepting the electronic throttle signal between the accelerator pedal and the engine management system, providing precise, smooth, and tamper-resistant speed control.
Unlike mechanical speed limiters which physically restrict fuel supply, the DBW system operates entirely electronically, providing greater accuracy, faster response times, and wider compatibility with modern vehicle electronics. System 80 is one of the most widely deployed speed limiter devices in the commercial vehicle sector worldwide.
How Drive-By-Wire Speed Limiting Works
In modern vehicles, the accelerator pedal sends an electronic signal to the engine management system (rather than a physical cable connection). The DBW speed limiter sits between these two systems, monitoring vehicle speed via the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) or CAN bus. When the vehicle reaches the pre-set maximum speed, the system gradually reduces the throttle signal to prevent the vehicle from exceeding the limit.
The speed reduction is gradual and smooth — drivers feel natural slowing rather than an abrupt cut-off. This ensures both safety and comfort while maintaining strict compliance with the set speed threshold.
Key Benefits
Regulatory Compliance
Meets all UK, EU, and international speed limiter requirements. EU/ECE R89 type approved for goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and passenger vehicles with 8 or more seats.
Fuel Savings
Reducing maximum speed by just 10mph can save 10-15% on fuel costs. For a fleet of 50 HGVs, this represents tens of thousands of pounds annually.
Safety
Speed is a factor in 24% of fatal road accidents. Speed limiters actively prevent speeding, protecting drivers, passengers, and other road users.
Insurance Reduction
Many fleet insurers offer 5-15% premium reductions for vehicles fitted with approved speed limiters. The device typically pays for itself within months.
Tamper Resistance
Tamper-resistant sealing prevents unauthorised modification. The system detects and records any attempt to bypass or disable the speed limiter.
Universal Compatibility
Compatible with virtually all commercial vehicles — HGVs, LCVs, buses, and specialist vehicles. Works with both 12V and 24V electrical systems.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | AutoKontrol Drive-By-Wire Speed Limiter (System 80) |
| Technology | Electronic Drive-By-Wire throttle signal interception |
| Speed Range | Adjustable from 10km/h to 130km/h |
| Speed Accuracy | +/- 1km/h |
| Power Supply | 12V DC or 24V DC (auto-sensing) |
| Current Draw | Less than 50mA standby, less than 200mA operating |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Speed Input | VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) or CAN bus |
| Enclosure | IP67 rated, tamper-resistant sealed |
| Type Approval | EU/ECE R89 |
| Certifications | UTAC, TUV, VCA |
| Vehicle Applications | HGV, LCV, bus, coach, specialist vehicles |
| Warranty | Two-year manufacturer’s warranty |
| Manufacturing | Chorley, Lancashire, UK |
Compatible Vehicles
The System 80 DBW speed limiter is compatible with virtually all commercial vehicles fitted with electronic throttle systems. Below are some of the most common vehicle applications:
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV)
- DAF CF / XF
- MAN TGX / TGS
- Mercedes Actros / Atego
- Scania R / G / P Series
- Volvo FH / FM / FE
- Iveco Stralis / Eurocargo
- Renault T Range / D Range
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV)
- Ford Transit / Transit Custom
- Mercedes Sprinter / Vito
- Volkswagen Crafter / Transporter
- Iveco Daily
- Renault Trafic / Master
- Peugeot Boxer / Expert
- Citroen Relay / Dispatch
Buses
- Alexander Dennis Enviro
- Optare Solo / Versa
- Wrightbus StreetVite
- Volvo B-Series
- Mercedes Citaro
Upgrade Option: TrackSpeed — Speed Limiter + GPS Tracking Combined
Upgrade Option
Take your fleet compliance to the next level. TrackSpeed combines the System 80 speed limiter with ScorpionTrack Fleet GPS tracking — speed limiting and real-time fleet monitoring in a single device and single installation.
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Ready to Equip Your Fleet with System 80?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for the DBW speed limiter — including installation through our survey and installation service.