Can you turn speed limiters off?

In most cases, no: you can’t legally disable a factory or regulator‑mandated speed limiter, though some driver-assistance “speed limit” features can be switched off for a trip and some owner-set limits can be removed with the right key or settings. The details depend on the type of limiter, your vehicle, and your jurisdiction.

What “speed limiter” actually means

“Speed limiter” can refer to several different technologies, from advisory systems that warn you when you exceed the posted limit to hard electronic governors that cap a vehicle’s top speed. Whether you can turn one off—and whether it’s legal—hinges on which kind you have.

The main types and what you can (and can’t) switch off

The list below breaks down common speed-limiting systems you’ll encounter and explains their switchability and legality.

• Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), EU‑mandated: Advisory systems that read signs/maps to warn or gently limit throttle. Since July 7, 2024, all new cars sold in the EU must have ISA default ON at startup. Drivers may switch it off during a trip, but it reactivates the next time you start the car. It’s not a hard cap and must be overrideable by pressing the accelerator.
• User-configurable “LIM” function: Many cars have a dash/button feature letting the driver set a maximum speed for convenience. This can be turned on/off by the driver at any time and doesn’t affect the vehicle’s absolute top speed.
• Owner/guardian modes (e.g., Ford MyKey, teen/valet modes): These limit speed until the admin key or correct app/account disables them. They are designed to be reversible by the vehicle owner or admin.
• Factory top‑speed governors on passenger cars: Electronic caps (e.g., 155 mph/250 km/h on some performance models) are embedded in the powertrain control software. They generally cannot be turned off by the user; removing or altering them typically requires manufacturer-authorized reprogramming (rarely offered) or unauthorized tuning, which can be illegal and void warranties.
• Regulatory or fleet limiters on heavy vehicles: Many trucks and buses are legally governed (e.g., 90 km/h in much of the EU; ~100 km/h in Australia; fleet-set limits in North America). Disabling or altering these is illegal and can lead to fines, failed inspections, and liability exposure after crashes.

As a rule of thumb: advisory systems and owner-set limits are switchable; legal or factory-governed top-speed caps are not, at least not lawfully or without consequences.

Where the law stands

Rules vary by region. Here’s how key jurisdictions handle speed limiters and what that means for turning them off.

• European Union: ISA is mandatory on new passenger vehicles (new types since July 2022; all newly registered vehicles since July 7, 2024). Drivers may disable ISA per trip, but it defaults back on at each ignition cycle. Heavy vehicles also have mandatory hard limiters (commonly 90 km/h) that cannot be legally removed.
• United Kingdom: The government has moved to align many EU “General Safety Regulation” features, including ISA, for new approvals; ISA behavior mirrors the EU model—default on, driver-overrideable during a trip. Heavy-vehicle limiters remain a legal requirement.
• United States: No federal ISA mandate for passenger cars. A federal rule to require speed limiters on heavy trucks is under consideration but not finalized as of 2025. Tampering with fleet or safety equipment can still violate state and federal laws, and it risks insurance and liability consequences.
• Canada: Ontario and Québec mandate electronic limiters on most heavy trucks set to 105 km/h; tampering is illegal. Passenger vehicles are generally not regulated for limiters, though manufacturers may fit top-speed governors.
• Australia: Heavy Vehicle National Law requires speed limiters (typically 100 km/h) on certain heavy vehicles. Disabling them is illegal. Passenger cars may have manufacturer-set governors.

The pattern is consistent: commercial/heavy-vehicle limiters are legally enforced and not removable; ISA on passenger cars can be switched off temporarily but not permanently; manufacturer top-speed governors are not meant to be user-defeated.

Risks and consequences of tampering

Altering a limiter via aftermarket tuning or electronic “defeat” devices can introduce safety, legal, and financial risks.

• Legal exposure: Fines, failed inspections, loss of roadworthiness, and potential criminal charges after a crash if a tampered limiter is implicated.
• Insurance and warranty: Insurers may deny claims; manufacturers can void warranties when unauthorized powertrain software changes are detected.
• Safety and reliability: Changing limiter logic can affect stability systems, braking assumptions, tire speed ratings, and drivetrain longevity.

Even when technically possible, defeating a limiter often costs more in risk than it delivers in benefit—especially on public roads where posted limits still apply.

How to tell what you have—and your legitimate options

If you’re unsure which system is in your vehicle, these steps can help you identify it and manage it correctly.

• Check the owner’s manual and infotainment settings for “ISA,” “Speed warning,” “LIM,” “MyKey,” or similar terminology.
• Look for a dedicated steering-wheel or dash button labeled LIM or a speedometer icon; this is usually a driver-selectable limiter/warning.
• For fleet or heavy vehicles, consult your fleet manager or dealer; changes often require authorized software and must comply with law.
• If your vehicle uses teen/valet modes, use the admin key or app to remove speed caps legitimately.
• Ask a franchised dealer what is legally adjustable; some manufacturers allow modest changes (e.g., tire-related calibrations) but not removal of top-speed caps.

Staying within documented, manufacturer-supported settings is the safest approach—and the only one that keeps you clearly on the right side of regulations and insurance terms.

Bottom line

You can usually switch off advisory speed-limit features for a single trip and remove owner-set limits using the proper key or settings. You generally cannot—and should not—disable factory or legally mandated top-speed limiters. If in doubt, consult your manual and a licensed dealer, and verify the rules where you drive.

Summary

Most consumer-accessible “limiters” are warnings or convenience caps you can turn off during a trip; EU ISA must default back on each restart. Hard electronic governors—especially on heavy vehicles—are legally required in many regions and cannot be removed without breaking the law and risking safety, warranty, and insurance consequences.

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.

Can you legally remove a speed limiter?

Professional tuners can access the ECU and modify its parameters to eliminate the limiter. However, such modifications may void the vehicle’s warranty and could be illegal, depending on the region. Aftermarket ECU: Some vehicle owners may opt for a custom aftermarket ECU, which allows for more advanced tuning.

Is it illegal to cut the speed limiter?

Legally removing the speed limiter depends on your local laws. In some regions, it’s permissible to modify the scooter for personal use, while in others, it may be restricted. Always consult local regulations before making any modifications.

Can I remove the speed limiter?

Many cars now offer aftermarket performance chips or engine computer reprogramming that alter the way the engine performs. These modifications can add power or fuel economy to an engine, depending on what the tuner desires. That programming can also include removing the speed limiter.