Speed Limiters: Exploring the Definition, Effectiveness & Purpose

More than 3.3 million Notices of Intended Prosecution (NIP) were issued to drivers in 2024 – which was a 14% increase from the previous year. Figures like this highlight the prominent issue that is speeding, especially within the UK.

A solution to combat this is speed limiters – it’s easy to assume we know what a speed limiter is but, in this article, we’ll uncover how they work and how effective they are to the drivers of today.

So, if you’ve been thinking about ways to control your speed and stay compliant with UK speed limiter regulations – here’s what speed limiters can do for you…

Let’s start with the basics – What is a speed limiter?

According to the government website, a speed limiter is a device that is designed to help reduce collisions. They’re best understood as a safety unit, which uses speed management technology to prevent the exceeding of speed limits on the roads.
Essentially, a speed limit on the surface is a basic system to understand – the clue is in its name. However, understanding how they work, the effectiveness and benefits of them is where the true understanding of a speed limiter begins to flourish.

A speed limiter is a device that helps to limit the speed of a vehicle – So, how does it work?

Essentially, a speed limiter and a vehicle communicate with each other every time you take a journey, through an automatic speed control system – no matter how long or short of a journey, or how many speed limit changes there may be. Speed limiters work with a GPS signal to understand the speed limitations in place of the area you are in. If the speed limiter detects the vehicle accelerating beyond the speed limit in place, it will reduce the amount of fuel travelling to the engine which gradually reduces its power.

It doesn’t interfere with the braking system in anyway.

We know what a speed limiter is and how it works – But, how effective are they?

The online article by AXA, ‘What are car speed limiters and will they become standard?’, explores how speed limiter technology could reduce collisions by 30%, which would contribute to saving around 25,000 lives within 15 years – as stated by The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC).

Additionally, other benefits to speed limiters are listed within this article too, they consist of:

• • Better fuel efficiency
  • Less CO2 emissions
  • Potential for lower insurance premiums.

Now you know what speed limiters are, how they work and the benefits – It’s time to make your choice

As a IATF16949 certified vehicle electronics manufacture, we have a range of speed management technology that caters to different speed limiting preferences.

From a Tow Speed Limiter to GeoKontrol limiter – we have something for everyone who is looking to keep their speed under control.

Author: Alicia Bibby / Article Writer

Publication Date: 26/11/2025