Can you get rid of a speed governor?

Technically, many vehicles’ speed governors can be altered or removed, but doing so is often illegal or contractually prohibited, can be unsafe, and may void warranties and insurance; the lawful route is to use manufacturer-approved options or limit any modifications to track-only use under professional guidance. This article explains what speed governors are, when they’re mandated, the legal and safety risks of tampering, and the legitimate alternatives if you need different performance.

What a speed governor is—and where you’ll encounter one

A speed governor (also called a speed limiter) is a control system—usually integrated in the engine or powertrain software—that caps a vehicle’s maximum speed. Automakers and fleets use them to match tire and drivetrain ratings, meet regulations, and reduce risk. Not all limiters are the same, and some are legally required in certain classes of vehicles.

• Factory top-speed limiters: Built into the engine/transmission control unit to cap maximum speed based on tire rating, drivetrain protection, or brand policy.
• Fleet or aftermarket limiters: Company- or insurer-configured caps on commercial or telematics-equipped vehicles, often locked through proprietary software.
• Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA): Now standard on new cars in the EU/UK; it warns and can gently intervene when you exceed posted limits but is designed to be overrideable by the driver.

Understanding which system you have matters: the legal status, technical complexity, and options for adjustment differ between a built-in top-speed cap, a fleet-governed setting, and advisory ISA features.

Is it legal to remove or bypass a speed governor?

It depends on where you are, the type of vehicle, and who owns it. For many personal cars, there is no explicit law banning a higher top speed setting if the car still meets safety and emissions rules—but tampering with OEM software, breaching digital locks, or ignoring tire/brake limits can violate other laws and void coverage. For commercial and heavy vehicles, limiters are often mandatory; bypassing them can be illegal. Advisory ISA in the EU/UK must be present and functional, though drivers may typically override it during a trip.

Selected rules and norms by region

The following examples highlight how requirements vary and why you should verify local law before considering any change.

• European Union/United Kingdom: ISA is mandatory on new vehicle types since 2022 and on all newly registered cars from July 2024. It can be overridden but generally cannot be permanently disabled. Heavy trucks and buses have long-standing required limiters (typically around 90–100 km/h) under EU/UNECE rules.
• Canada: Ontario and Québec require speed limiters on most heavy trucks (commonly set to 105 km/h), with fines for non-compliance. Other provinces may follow fleet policy or federal guidance.
• Australia: Heavy vehicles are commonly limited to 100 km/h under national/state regulations; tampering can attract penalties and defect notices.
• United States: Many fleets impose limiters by policy. A federal speed-limiter mandate for certain commercial motor vehicles has been proposed but, as of late 2024, not finalized; state rules and employer policies still apply.

These examples are not exhaustive. Because rules change and enforcement varies, check current statutes and guidance from transport authorities where you operate the vehicle.

The risks and consequences of removing or tampering

Disabling or altering a speed governor carries safety, legal, financial, and ethical implications—especially if the vehicle isn’t designed for higher speeds.

• Safety engineering limits: Tires have speed ratings; exceeding them can cause catastrophic failure. Driveshafts, wheel bearings, and aerodynamics may be unstable at higher speeds, and brakes may not shed heat safely.
• Legal exposure: For vehicles where limiters are mandated, removal can trigger fines, citations, defect notices, and vehicle impoundment. Tampering with embedded software or security controls may violate anti-circumvention laws in some jurisdictions.
• Insurance: Undeclared performance modifications can void coverage; post-crash investigations may scrutinize ECU changes and telematics data.
• Warranty and leasing: OEM warranties, service plans, and leases often prohibit unauthorized tuning; dealers can flag modified ECUs.
• Employment and contracts: For fleet vehicles, altering a governor without authorization can be a fireable offense and may lead to civil or criminal liability.
• Inspections and resale: Safety/roadworthiness checks or OBD diagnostics can detect anomalies; modifications may reduce resale value or limit where the car can be titled.

The combined effect is that even if tampering seems technically feasible, the downside risks frequently outweigh any perceived benefit for public-road use.

Lawful alternatives if you need different performance

If your use case is legitimate—such as track driving or fitting higher-rated tires and brakes—there are safer, legal pathways that don’t involve illicit tampering.

• Manufacturer-approved packages: Some brands offer higher top-speed settings when paired with certified tires/brakes (e.g., performance packs) through dealers, preserving compliance and warranty terms.
• Track-only calibration by professionals: For closed-course use, reputable shops can create track maps on vehicles you own, with transport to/from the venue; keep the car in a compliant street map for public roads.
• Use per-trip ISA settings where allowed: In the EU/UK, ISA can typically be overridden each drive; this does not remove the system but accommodates specific conditions while remaining compliant.
• Choose a different trim or vehicle: If sustained high-speed operation is a legitimate requirement (e.g., sanctioned motorsport), a model engineered for that envelope is the safest option.

These paths align the vehicle’s hardware, software, and legal status, reducing risk while meeting your performance needs.

Key questions to ask before you modify anything

Before you consider any change to speed-limiting systems, run through the following checks to avoid legal and safety pitfalls.

1. Ownership and permission: Do you own the vehicle outright, and do you have authority to modify it?
2. Regulatory status: Is a limiter legally required for your vehicle class or region?
3. Tire and component ratings: Are your tires, brakes, and drivetrain rated for the speeds you’re targeting?
4. Insurance and disclosure: Will your insurer cover the modification, and have you disclosed it?
5. Warranty/lease terms: Would the change violate OEM or lease agreements?
6. Intended use: Is this for closed-course use only, and do you have a plan to keep street operation compliant?
7. Professional support: Have you consulted a qualified, reputable specialist who will document the work?

If any answer raises doubt, pause and reassess; a compliant, engineered solution is almost always available and safer.

Summary

While it is often technically possible to alter or remove a vehicle’s speed governor, doing so may be illegal, unsafe, and financially risky—especially for commercial vehicles or where safety systems are mandated. For public roads, the prudent path is staying within OEM settings or pursuing manufacturer-approved upgrades. For track use, work with professionals and keep a compliant street configuration. Always verify local laws, component ratings, insurance requirements, and ownership/contract terms before making changes.

Can speed limiters be turned off?

Exactly how you turn the limiter on and off varies from car to car. It may be a button on the steering wheel or an option in the same settings menu as other driver assistance features such as lane keeping assist. There may also be the option of turning the limiter permanently.

Is it illegal to remove a speed limiter?

Yes, in most jurisdictions, it is illegal to remove a speed limiter from a vehicle, as this is a safety feature put in place to ensure safe driving and adherence to traffic laws. Tampering with a speed limiter can lead to fines and other penalties, can void your vehicle’s warranty, and may invalidate your insurance coverage in the event of an accident. 
Why Speed Limiters Exist 

• Safety: Speed limiters ensure vehicles operate within the safe capabilities of their components, such as the tires and brakes.
• Liability: Manufacturers include them to avoid liability issues associated with accidents caused by excessive speed.
• Insurance: They contribute to keeping insurance costs down.

Legal and Safety Consequences

• Fines and Penalties: You may face legal consequences for tampering with a speed limiter. 
• Voided Warranty: Removing the speed limiter can void the vehicle’s warranty. 
• Invalidated Insurance: In the event of an accident, your insurance coverage may be compromised. 
• Vehicle Risk: Going beyond a vehicle’s designed safe operating speed can lead to mechanical damage or a tire blowout. 

How It’s Done

• Reprogramming: Speed limiters are often built into the engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) and are typically removed by reprogramming these units. 
• Specialized Shops: This is a complex modification often performed by specialized performance shops. 

Important Considerations

• Check Local Laws: Opens in new tabLaws vary, so it’s crucial to check your local regulations before making any modifications to your vehicle’s speed limiting system. 
• Off-Highway Use: Opens in new tabIf you are modifying your vehicle for track use, it should be clearly stated for “off-highway use only” to avoid legal issues. 

Can a speed restrictor 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.

How to disable speed governor?

There are a few common ways to achieve this: ECU Reprogramming/Remapping: This method involves overwriting the vehicle’s existing software with custom settings that remove or raise the speed cap. Professional tuners can access the ECU and modify its parameters to eliminate the limiter.