How much does it cost to have a speed limiter fitted?

Expect to pay roughly £150–£600 ($180–$750) to fit a speed limiter to a car or light van, £400–£1,200 ($500–$1,500) for heavy trucks and buses including certification, or £12–£30 ($15–$40) per vehicle per month for telematics-based limiting plus a one-off install of £60–£200 ($75–$250). The exact price depends on vehicle type, whether it’s simple ECU programming or a dedicated hardware module, and any legal calibration or paperwork required. Below, we explain the options, what drives cost, and how to budget accurately.

What you’re paying for

There are several ways to impose a speed cap, each with its own parts, labour, and compliance requirements. Understanding these components helps explain the wide price range you’ll see in quotes.

• ECU parameter setting: On some vehicles, dealers or specialists can set a top speed in the engine control unit with no extra hardware.
• Dedicated limiter module: A hard‑wired unit intercepts throttle or CAN signals to enforce a set maximum speed.
• Telematics/ISA retrofit: GPS-linked “intelligent speed assistance” kits and fleet telematics systems can limit or govern speed based on maps and zones.
• Labour and integration: Installation time varies from 30 minutes (simple coding) to 2–3 hours (wiring, calibration, road test).
• Compliance checks: Commercial vehicles in many regions require limiter verification, sealing, and certification to legal standards.
• Configuration and documentation: Setting the speed, driver ID policies, and issuing certificates or audit reports adds admin time.

Together, these elements determine whether your job is a quick reprogramming appointment or a more involved fitment with compliance paperwork.

Typical price ranges by vehicle and solution

Cars and small vans (private or SME use)

For light vehicles where no commercial certification is required, pricing is largely driven by whether the limiter is software-only or requires a physical module.

• ECU/dealer coding: £120–£250 ($150–$300), 0.5–1.0 hours. Availability varies by brand and model; not all OEMs expose a speed-cap parameter.
• Aftermarket limiter module: £250–£500 ($300–$600) supply and fit, 1.5–2.5 hours, including calibration and road test.
• Retrofit ISA kits (map-aware): £400–£900 ($500–$1,100) installed, depending on features (audible warnings vs. active limiting), vehicle complexity, and brand.

Where an OEM setting is available, it’s usually the lowest-cost route; otherwise a standalone module or ISA kit is typical.

Fleet telematics with speed governance

Fleets often combine tracking and governance to manage speed across vehicles and geographies.

• Hardware/activation: £60–£200 ($75–$250) per vehicle for device install or feature unlock.
• Subscription: £12–£30 ($15–$40) per vehicle per month for telematics with speed-governor features (alerts, zone-based caps, reporting).
• Enterprise bundles: Volume discounts can lower per-vehicle costs, especially over multi‑year contracts.

This approach spreads cost over time, adds analytics and compliance reporting, and can be adjusted remotely as policies change.

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and buses/coaches

In the UK/EU, speed limiters are mandatory for most heavy vehicles, with legal setpoints (e.g., 90 km/h for many HGVs). Pricing reflects both fitment and certification.

• Limiter parameter set/reset (where factory‑fitted): £100–£250 ($125–$300) for ECM programming and documentation.
• New limiter module and installation: £500–£900 ($600–$1,100) including wiring, calibration, and test drive.
• Certification/verification (where required): £80–£200 ($100–$250) for sealing and issuing proof of compliance; often combined with tachograph services.

If a limiter is already present but out of spec, a verification and adjustment visit is typically cheaper than a full replacement.

Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids

Many EVs have software-defined top speeds; some allow dealer-set limits, others require a third‑party CAN-intercept module.

• Dealer-set speed cap (if supported): £120–£250 ($150–$300).
• CAN/throttle module for EVs: £350–£700 ($425–$850) installed, reflecting added integration and testing.

Check with the manufacturer to avoid conflicts with driver-assistance systems and warranties.

Regional snapshots

Markets differ in regulation and availability of retrofit options, which affects pricing and lead times.

• UK/EU: ISA is mandatory on new vehicle sales from mid‑2024 for new registrations; retrofits aren’t mandated for existing cars. HGV/bus limiters and verification are well-established; installer networks are widespread.
• US/Canada: No nationwide mandate for light vehicles; fleets commonly use ECM parameters or telematics. A federal rule for heavy-truck speed limiters has been proposed but not finalized as of 2024; pricing reflects market choice rather than mandated certification.
• Australia/NZ: Commercial speed management is common via ECM settings and telematics; costs are broadly similar to UK/EU in local currency terms.

Local rules may stipulate certification for certain classes; always confirm what paperwork your jurisdiction requires.

Extra and ongoing costs to budget for

Beyond the initial installation, a few recurring or situational expenses can apply, especially for commercial fleets.

• Annual verification or compliance checks (commercial/HGV): £60–£150 ($75–$190), often paired with tachograph service.
• Software updates or remaps: £50–£150 ($60–$190) if OEM software resets limiter settings during service campaigns.
• Subscription renewals (telematics/ISA): £12–£30 ($15–$40) per month per vehicle.
• Downtime and call-out fees: £50–£120 ($60–$150) if on-site work is required.

Clarifying these items up front avoids surprises and may influence whether you choose a one-off hardware route or a subscription model.

How to get an accurate quote

Installers will price more precisely when they know your vehicle details, compliance needs, and target speed policy.

1. Gather the VIN, make/model/year, fuel type (ICE/EV/hybrid), and current ECU software version if available.
2. State the required capped speed and whether it must be driver‑changeable, PIN‑protected, or sealed.
3. Confirm any legal compliance or certification needed for your vehicle class and region.
4. Ask for itemized pricing: hardware, labour hours, calibration, paperwork, travel/call‑out, and any subscriptions.
5. Request lead time, warranty terms, and post‑install support or recertification costs.

A clear brief typically yields like‑for‑like quotes and helps avoid low initial prices that exclude necessary compliance steps.

Legal and compliance notes (2024)

In the EU (and effectively the UK via aligned UNECE rules), Intelligent Speed Assistance is mandatory on new vehicle types from 2022 and on all new registrations from mid‑2024, but retrofitting ISA to older vehicles isn’t generally required. Speed limiters remain mandatory on most heavy goods vehicles and buses, with defined maximums and verification procedures. In North America, there is no nationwide requirement for light‑vehicle limiters; proposed federal rules for heavy trucks had not been finalized as of late 2024. Local or city fleet policies (for example, municipal ISA requirements) may apply. Always verify local regulations before commissioning work.

Installation time and practical tips

Plan for short but potentially disruptive appointments and confirm any warranty implications with your dealer or fleet manager.

• Time on site: 30–60 minutes for ECU coding; 1.5–3 hours for hardware modules or ISA retrofits.
• Test drive and documentation: Typically 15–30 minutes to validate the set speed and issue certificates or reports.
• Warranty and insurance: Use approved installers; document changes for insurers and compliance audits.

Coordinating installs during scheduled maintenance can minimize downtime and reduce call‑out charges.

Bottom line

Budget £150–£600 ($180–$750) for cars and light vans, £400–£1,200 ($500–$1,500) for heavy vehicles including certification, or opt for telematics-based governance at £12–£30 ($15–$40) per month plus a modest install fee. The right choice depends on your vehicle, legal obligations, and whether you want one‑off hardware or ongoing data and control.

Summary

Speed limiter fitment costs vary by method and vehicle: simple ECU coding is the cheapest; dedicated modules and ISA retrofits cost more but work on a wider range of vehicles; heavy vehicles may require certified installation and verification; and telematics adds ongoing fees but brings analytics and remote control. Get itemized quotes that cover hardware, labour, calibration, certification, and any subscriptions to avoid hidden costs.

Can I set a speed limit on my car?

Yes, you can set a speed limit on a car using features like Manual Speed Limit Assist (MSLA) or Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), which are found in many modern vehicles, or by installing an aftermarket device. MSLA allows you to manually set a maximum speed that the vehicle won’t exceed, while ISLA automatically adjusts the speed limit based on road signs and GPS data. 
How Speed Limiters Work

• Manual Speed Limit Assist (MSLA): This function allows the driver to set a maximum speed. 
  • When the set speed is reached, the vehicle will prevent further acceleration. 
  • You can override the limiter by fully depressing the accelerator pedal. 
  • A chime and a blinking indicator will often signal when the set speed is being exceeded. 
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA): This advanced feature automatically detects speed limits using cameras and GPS data. 
  • It can automatically adjust the MSLA set speed when the road’s speed limit changes. 
  • You can often set a speed offset, such as 5 mph over the detected limit. 
• Electronic Speed Governors: These are aftermarket devices or built-in manufacturer systems that limit the maximum speed a vehicle can reach. They can be installed for safety reasons, such as controlling a young driver’s speed. 

Benefits of Using a Speed Limiter

• Safety: Prevents drivers from accidentally exceeding the speed limit, which is especially helpful in areas with changing speed limits. 
• Fuel Efficiency: By preventing excessive speeding, fuel consumption can be reduced. 
• Fleet Management: In commercial vehicles, speed limiters can be used to ensure compliance and safety for a fleet of vehicles. 
• Teen Drivers: Can be used to help manage and control the speed of new and inexperienced drivers. 

How to Find It in Your Car 

• Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for information on driving assistance features like Manual Speed Limit Assist (MSLA).
• Look for buttons on the steering wheel or center console that control driving assist functions.

Can you install a speed limiter on a car?

Yes, you can install a speed limiter on a car, either as a built-in factory feature in some modern vehicles or as an aftermarket device that connects to the vehicle’s electronic throttle control or engine computer. These devices work by restricting the flow of fuel or air to the engine, preventing the driver from exceeding a preset speed, and can be controlled by a professional or through a Bluetooth-enabled app depending on the system.
 
This video demonstrates how to set a speed limiter on a car using an OBD2 port: 1mDanny Johnson’s GarageYouTube · Dec 7, 2016
Types of Speed Limiters

• Factory-installed: Opens in new tabMany modern vehicles have built-in speed limiters as a standard feature. Some cars also include an “intelligent speed assistance” (ISA) system that can warn drivers or even electronically limit the vehicle’s speed based on GPS location and posted speed limits. 
• Aftermarket: Opens in new tabFor older or non-limited cars, aftermarket modules can be installed to limit speed. These often connect directly to the accelerator pedal or the vehicle’s control systems. 

How They Work

• Electronic Control: Opens in new tabAftermarket modules connect to the electronic throttle control or the vehicle’s CAN bus system. 
• Fuel/Air Restriction: Opens in new tabOnce the set speed is reached, the device communicates with the engine’s computer to restrict the fuel and air supply to the engine, preventing further acceleration. 

Installation and Control

• Professional Installation: Due to the complicated nature of reconfiguring vehicle wiring and computer systems, it’s generally advised to have a licensed professional install the device. 
• Tamper-Proof Modules: Some speed limiters are designed to be tamper-proof, with the maximum set speed unalterable by the driver after programming. 
• App-Controlled Limiters: Other systems may include a Bluetooth module, allowing the speed limit to be adjusted using a compatible app on a smartphone. 

Why Install a Speed Limiter?

• Safety: To prevent speeding, particularly with new or young drivers. 
• Fleet Management: To control vehicle speed in commercial fleets for safety and efficiency. 
• Preventing Theft or Damage: To stop valet drivers from speeding or causing damage in high-end vehicles. 

Is there a 90 mph speed limit in the USA?

There is no 90 mph speed limit anywhere in the United States; the highest legal speed limit is 85 mph on a toll road in Texas. Speed limits vary by state, with the maximum generally being 70-80 mph on rural interstates in the western US and 65-70 mph in the East. Factors like road design, vehicle condition, driver training, and gas consumption are reasons why speed limits haven’t been raised to 90 mph or higher across the country.
 
The Highest Speed Limit in the US

• The absolute highest posted speed limit in the United States is 85 mph. 
• This limit is found on State Highway 130, a toll road in exurban Texas, between Austin and San Antonio. 

Factors Limiting Speed Limits to 85 mph

• Varying State Laws: Speed limits are set by individual states, not the federal government. 
• Infrastructure: While interstates were designed to handle high speeds, the overall condition of highways can vary, and not all are suited for very high-speed traffic. 
• Vehicle Standards: The average condition of vehicles on the road is a concern, as many cars lack the rigid inspection standards and robust maintenance needed for prolonged high-speed operation. 
• Driver Training: The process for obtaining a driver’s license in the US is generally less rigorous than in some other countries, and drivers may not be adequately trained to operate vehicles at extreme speeds. 
• Safety and Fuel Efficiency: Higher speeds increase stopping distances and reaction times, and they also significantly increase fuel consumption and pollution. 
• Speed Differential: Large differences in speed between vehicles (even if some are driving at the speed limit) contribute to dangerous driving conditions. 

Can aftermarket speed limiters be installed?

Some modern vehicles come with built-in speed limiters. They can also be installed as aftermarket modifications. Speed limiters can be installed on a wide range of vehicles, but their compatibility and effectiveness can vary depending on the type of automobile and its specific design and technology.