Can speed limiters be turned off?

Sometimes—but it depends on the type of limiter, the vehicle, and where you are. Many factory top-speed limiters can only be changed by reprogramming the vehicle’s control unit and doing so may be illegal or void warranties; commercial vehicle limiters are often mandatory and tamper-proof by law; and Europe’s new Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) can be overridden or switched off during a trip but reactivates at the next restart. Knowing what kind of limiter you have is crucial before you try to change it.

What exactly is a speed limiter?

“Speed limiter” can mean several different systems, from advisory aids to hard electronic caps. Understanding which one your vehicle uses helps determine whether it can be turned off and the legal implications.

• Top-speed governor (ECU-based): A software cap set by the manufacturer that prevents the vehicle from exceeding a specified maximum speed, often tied to tire ratings, drivetrain limits, or brand policy.
• Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA): A driver-assistance feature that reads speed limits and warns or gently limits acceleration to help drivers comply. It’s designed to be overrideable.
• Fleet/rental telematics limiters: Company-set speed caps applied via connected fleet systems; these are typically locked to the driver and managed centrally.
• User-configurable caps (valet or teen-driver modes): Owner-activated settings that restrict speed or performance, intended for temporary use and easily turned on or off by an authorized user.

Each type operates differently: some inform and assist, some intervene and limit throttle, and some impose a hard ceiling that the vehicle physically cannot exceed without reprogramming.

Can you turn it off? The answer by type

Factory top-speed governors in passenger vehicles

There’s usually no in-cabin switch to disable a factory-set top-speed governor. Changing or removing it typically requires ECU reprogramming (“tuning”) via the diagnostic port or an aftermarket module. That may violate local laws, affect emissions compliance, void warranties, and create safety risks because the original cap often reflects tire and component limits. Electric vehicles are especially locked down: their top speed is a core part of the thermal and drivetrain strategy and is not user-adjustable.

Intelligent Speed Assistance (EU and beyond)

ISA became mandatory on new vehicle types in the European Union from July 2022 and on all new vehicles sold from July 2024. By design, ISA starts on by default at the beginning of each trip, but drivers can override or switch it off during that trip; it will reactivate on the next ignition cycle. ISA is not a hard limiter—it’s advisory or gently intervening, and you remain legally responsible for your speed. Other regions are evaluating similar systems, but permanent deactivation is not what regulators intend.

Commercial trucks and buses

Heavy vehicles in the EU and UK must have speed limiters; tampering is illegal and subject to fines and potential vehicle prohibition. Canada (including provinces such as Ontario and Quebec) and Australia require limiters on certain heavy vehicles, with enforcement and penalties for tampering. In the United States, there is continued debate over a nationwide heavy-truck speed-limiter rule; as of late 2025 no final federal mandate is in effect, though many fleets voluntarily limit speeds and some state and company policies apply. In jurisdictions where limiters are mandated, drivers and shops are generally prohibited from disabling them except for authorized maintenance procedures.

Fleet and rental telematics limiters

These are set by the fleet operator or rental company and typically cannot be disabled by the driver. Attempts to bypass the device or disable the telematics unit can breach contracts, trigger fees, and in some cases lead to immobilization or termination of the rental.

User-configured caps (valet/teen-driver modes)

These can be turned on or off via the vehicle’s settings by an authorized user (for example, with a PIN, key fob, or app). They are designed for convenience and safety, not regulation, and do not affect the underlying factory top-speed governor.

How disabling works—and why it’s risky

Owners sometimes ask how limiters are removed. The methods and consequences are important to understand before making any changes.

• Common methods: ECU reflashing with aftermarket software, plug-in “tuner” devices, or piggyback modules that alter sensor signals. On some older vehicles, physical changes (e.g., different final drive) can incidentally change top speed, but the electronic cap often remains.
• Risks: Legal penalties for tampering where limiters are mandated; safety hazards if tires or brakes aren’t rated for higher speeds; warranty denial and failed inspections; higher insurance premiums or denied claims after a crash; potential detection by dealers or OEMs through logged data or checksum mismatches; and possible impacts on emissions and stability control calibrations.

Even when technically feasible, removing a limiter can escalate liability in a crash and may be detectable during service or via over-the-air updates.

Legal landscape at a glance

Rules differ widely by jurisdiction and vehicle class. The following points summarize the broad picture, but you should verify the specifics for your location and vehicle.

• European Union: ISA is mandatory and default-on; heavy vehicle limiters are long-established and tampering is prohibited. Drivers can override ISA during a trip, but permanent deactivation is not intended.
• United Kingdom: Heavy vehicles must use limiters, and tampering is an offense. ISA aligns with EU-derived standards for new vehicles brought to market post-Brexit, with similar default-on behavior in current implementations.
• Canada: Certain provinces mandate limiters for heavy trucks; tampering can lead to fines and out-of-service orders.
• United States: No finalized nationwide speed-limiter mandate for heavy trucks as of late 2025, though federal proposals have circulated and many fleets self-limit. Reprogramming ECUs can implicate federal and state laws if it affects emissions or safety systems.
• Australia: Heavy vehicle limiters are required; tampering is an offense with strict enforcement in some states.
• Japan: Heavy trucks are limited; tampering is illegal. Some passenger vehicles feature speed warning chimes that are user-configurable in limited ways, but hard limiters on trucks are not.

Because enforcement and penalties vary, checking local regulations and your vehicle’s certification label or documentation is essential before making changes.

How to check your vehicle and your options

If you suspect your vehicle has a limiter—or you want one for safety—these steps can help you determine what’s possible and lawful.

1. Consult the owner’s manual and in-vehicle menus for ISA settings, speed warnings, or teen/valet modes you can adjust yourself.
2. Ask a franchised dealer or authorized service center to check the build data for your VIN; they can confirm any factory top-speed cap and whether regional policies permit changes.
3. Verify tire speed ratings and braking system specifications; raising a limit without appropriate hardware is dangerous.
4. If it’s a fleet or rental vehicle, contact the administrator; only they can change telematics-based caps.
5. Before pursuing any tuning, review local laws, warranty terms, insurance conditions, and inspection requirements—and consider professional legal advice if in doubt.

In many cases the safest, legal route is to leave factory limiters intact and use adjustable driver aids (like ISA or speed warnings) to tailor day-to-day driving.

Bottom line

Some speed limiters can be turned off or overridden, but many cannot—and in several regions, disabling them is illegal. ISA systems in Europe are designed to be overridden during a trip yet default back on, while hard top-speed governors usually require risky and potentially unlawful ECU changes. Always check your vehicle type, the exact limiter involved, and your local laws before attempting any modification.

Summary

Whether a speed limiter can be turned off hinges on its type and jurisdiction: ISA can be temporarily disabled but reactivates by default; commercial vehicle limiters are typically mandatory and tamper-proof; fleet caps are centrally controlled; and factory top-speed governors on passenger cars are generally only alterable through ECU reprogramming—with legal, safety, warranty, and insurance consequences to consider.

Can car speed limiters be removed?

Some cars can have the speed limiter removed via diagnostic software such as Ford IDS, Autel or Mercedes Star. Other vehicles can only have speed limiters removed via remapping the ECU. It’s worth remembering that “remapping” is the process of changing the ECU software, NOT improving performance.

Can speed limiters be disabled?

Can speed limiters be disabled? Technically, speed limiters can be disabled, but it’s not advisable for several reasons. Disabling a speed limiter might violate traffic safety laws, especially in jurisdictions where their use is mandatory for certain vehicles.

How do I turn off the speed limiter on my car?

To remove a car’s speed limiter, you must reprogram the vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM), a complex process that typically involves using specialized software like HP Tuners or dealer-level tools, professional remapping, or sending the module to a service center. This process can be complex and should only be undertaken by experienced professionals, as improper modification can lead to damage or void the vehicle’s warranty. 
Methods for Removing a Speed Limiter 

• PCM/ECU Reprogramming: This is the most common method, where the software that controls your car’s engine is modified.
  • Professional Reprogramming: A specialized facility or professional tuner can access the ECU, extract the data, modify the limiter settings, and then reinstall the updated file back into your vehicle’s ECU.
  • Aftermarket Tuning Tools: Some tuning software, such as HP Tuners, can be used to access and adjust the speed limiter settings.
• Aftermarket ECUs: High-performance custom ECUs can be installed to bypass factory-imposed speed restrictions.
• Custom Tuning: For some vehicles, speed limiters might be controlled by modules other than the ECU, requiring a more advanced custom tuning approach.

Considerations Before Removal

• Complexity: Reprogramming the ECU is a complex process requiring advanced tools and technical knowledge. 
• Professional Expertise: It is highly recommended to consult with a certified mechanic or a professional tuning shop to avoid damaging the ECU or other vehicle components. 
• Legality: Removing a speed limiter may be illegal or violate local regulations, so it’s essential to check your local laws before proceeding. 
• Warranty: Modifying your vehicle’s software can void its warranty. 
• Engine Health: While removing a speed limiter might not destroy your engine, you must ensure your engine is designed to handle the increased RPMs and speeds without causing mechanical issues, such as valve float or damage to the alternator. 

Can you legally remove a speed limiter?

No, legally removing a speed limiter is not permissible for public roads in most jurisdictions, as it is a safety feature designed to ensure road safety, comply with regulations, and prevent accidents by keeping vehicle speeds within safe limits, especially considering the limits of the vehicle’s tires. However, it may be done for “off-highway use only” and can result in penalties, loss of insurance coverage, and engine damage. 
Why You Shouldn’t Remove a Speed Limiter

• Illegality: Removing a speed limiter is generally illegal because it compromises road safety and violates traffic laws. 
• Safety Risks: The limiter is in place to prevent accidents caused by exceeding the speed rating of the vehicle’s tires and other components. 
• Insurance Issues: Tampering with a speed limiter can void your insurance policy, leaving you responsible for accident costs. 
• Engine Damage: While not its primary purpose, exceeding the designed speed can lead to engine damage. 

Legality and Performance Modifications

• For Off-Road Use: Opens in new tabSome individuals and companies offer services to remove speed limiters, but these modifications are typically intended for off-highway and racing use, where safety regulations for public roads do not apply. 
• Vehicle-Specific Solutions: Opens in new tabFor performance vehicles with specialized after-market tuning capabilities, there may be options for modifying speed limiters. However, this requires specific knowledge and may be a complex process. 

Mandatory Speed Limiter Programs 

• New Vehicles: New vehicles sold from 2024 onward may be required to have speed limiters, which will rely on road signs and GPS to function.
• Temporary Disabling: Although the system can often be temporarily disabled, it is intended to be a permanent feature.