Is it illegal to remove a speed governor?

It depends on where you are and what you drive: removing or tampering with a speed governor (speed limiter) is illegal in many countries for heavy and commercial vehicles, but generally not illegal for private passenger cars in places like the United States. However, even where it isn’t explicitly illegal, removing a limiter can breach insurance, warranty, fleet policies, and safety rules—and it can become illegal if you operate the vehicle in jurisdictions that require limiters. Below is a clear breakdown of what the law says by region, what the risks are, and how to stay compliant.

What a speed governor is—and why laws care

A speed governor (or speed limiter) is a device or software function that caps a vehicle’s maximum speed. Governments mandate them on certain vehicle classes to reduce crash severity, improve road safety, and, in some cases, lower emissions. Laws typically target heavy trucks and large passenger vehicles; mandates for private passenger cars are rare outside specific fleet or national initiatives.

Where removing a speed governor is illegal

The following list outlines key jurisdictions that require speed limiters on certain vehicles and treat removal or tampering as an offense. In these places, using a covered vehicle without a working limiter—or altering it to exceed the set threshold—can lead to fines, vehicle prohibitions, and, for commercial operators, licensing consequences.

• United Kingdom: Goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and many buses/coaches must have limiters (typically 56 mph/90 km/h for trucks and 62 mph/100 km/h for coaches). Tampering breaches the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and can trigger DVSA prohibitions, fines, and operator-licence action.
• European Union: Heavy goods vehicles and buses must have speed limitation devices under EU type-approval rules referencing UN ECE Regulation No. 89. Tampering is prohibited under national laws implementing these standards.
• Canada: Ontario and Québec mandate electronic speed limiters on most heavy trucks, typically set at 105 km/h. Operating without a functioning limiter—or with one bypassed—can result in significant fines and out-of-service orders.
• Australia: Many heavy vehicles must comply with the national speed-limiting standard (ADR 65), generally capped at 100 km/h for heavy trucks and buses. Tampering is an offense under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and state/territory road laws.
• New Zealand: Heavy trucks and large passenger service vehicles are required to have speed limiters (commonly set to the legal heavy-vehicle road speed). Tampering is an offense under Land Transport Rules.
• India: Speed governors are mandated for various transport vehicles under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (e.g., caps around 80 km/h depending on category). Tampering can attract penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act and state regulations.

In these regions, “it’s installed” effectively means “it must remain installed and functional” for the affected vehicle classes. Cross-border operations must also comply with the destination jurisdiction’s rules.

Where it’s generally permitted—but still risky

Some jurisdictions do not require speed limiters on private cars, and, in certain cases, on commercial vehicles. Removing a limiter there may not be per se illegal—but it can still create legal and practical problems.

• United States (passenger vehicles): There is no federal mandate for speed limiters on private cars. Removing a factory or aftermarket limiter is generally lawful for owners. However, it may void warranties, violate insurance terms, and increase liability if a crash or excessive speeding occurs.
• United States (commercial vehicles): As of late 2024, there is no final federal rule requiring speed limiters on interstate commercial motor vehicles, though rulemaking has been proposed. Many fleets voluntarily govern speed. Removing a limiter can violate company policy, lease terms, or safety programs—and could run afoul of state laws if a limiter is required to meet a specific operational commitment.
• Other jurisdictions without mandates: Where no law requires a limiter for your vehicle class, removal is typically not a specific offense, but operating at illegal speeds still is, and insurers may view limiter removal negatively after an incident.

Even where the law allows removal, businesses (manufacturers, dealers, repairers) may face separate “make-inoperative” prohibitions for federally required safety equipment. While limiters on private cars in the U.S. are not federally required safety devices, altering intertwined vehicle systems can raise compliance questions for professional shops.

Penalties and risks to consider before removing a limiter

Legal exposure isn’t the only concern. The following points summarize common consequences tied to limiter tampering or removal.

• Regulatory penalties: Fines, defect notices, or out-of-service orders in jurisdictions that mandate limiters for your vehicle class.
• Criminal or civil liability: Increased exposure if excessive speed contributes to a crash, including potential negligence claims and higher damages.
• Insurance issues: Policy breach or claims disputes if the insurer deems the modification material to risk or contrary to declared vehicle condition.
• Warranty and financing: Void warranties or lease violations where vehicle modifications are restricted.
• Fleet/operator licensing: For commercial carriers, tampering can trigger audits, downtime, and action against operator licences where applicable.
• Technical side effects: Altered stability control calibrations, tire speed ratings exceeded, or mismatch with braking/ABS/ADAS assumptions.

Taken together, these risks can outweigh perceived benefits—especially for vehicles operating across borders or under commercial compliance regimes.

Practical guidance if you’re considering changes

If you’re evaluating a limiter adjustment or removal, this step-by-step approach can help you avoid unintended legal and safety consequences.

1. Confirm your vehicle class and jurisdiction: Check whether your vehicle (by weight, use, and seating) falls under a limiter mandate where you operate—now and in any destination regions.
2. Review contracts and policies: Look at fleet policies, lease/finance agreements, and insurance terms that may forbid or condition modifications.
3. Consult authoritative sources: Use government guidance (e.g., DVSA in the UK, provincial transport ministries in Canada, state road agencies in Australia/NZ, transport departments in India, and DOT/FMCSA updates in the U.S.).
4. Consider calibration, not removal: If a legitimate operational case exists (e.g., tire rating changes), seek a manufacturer-approved update rather than a bypass.
5. Document everything: Keep records of legal checks, technical changes, and any approvals, in case of roadside inspections or insurance reviews.

Following these steps helps ensure your decision aligns with safety standards, legal obligations, and the expectations of insurers and regulators.

Key nuances and evolving rules

Regulatory landscapes can change. In the United States, federal agencies have explored requiring speed limiters on certain heavy commercial motor vehicles, but as of late 2024 no final rule is in force. Conversely, jurisdictions like the EU, UK, Ontario/Québec, Australia, New Zealand, and India already enforce limiter requirements on defined vehicle classes. Professional repairers in the U.S. are also subject to federal “make-inoperative” rules for equipment required by safety standards—even if private owners are not, and even if the rule doesn’t currently cover speed limiters on passenger cars.

Bottom line

Whether it’s illegal to remove a speed governor depends on the jurisdiction and vehicle type. It is clearly illegal for many heavy/commercial vehicles in the EU, UK, parts of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and other regions with mandates. In the U.S., private passenger cars generally aren’t covered by a legal requirement, but removal can still carry insurance, warranty, and liability risks—and commercial fleets often prohibit it. Always verify local laws and operational policies before making changes.

Summary

Legality hinges on where you drive and what you drive. Heavy and commercial vehicles in the EU/UK, Ontario and Québec (Canada), Australia, New Zealand, and India must keep speed limiters intact, making removal illegal. In the U.S., private passenger cars usually aren’t mandated to have limiters, but removing one can still backfire via insurance, warranty, and safety consequences. If you operate commercially or cross borders, assume a limiter must remain installed and functional unless you have clear, documented authority to modify it.

What happens if you cut the speed limiter?

Cutting the speed limiter increases a vehicle’s speed beyond its intended safe limits, leading to mechanical stress, reduced lifespan of components, and a higher risk of accidents due to less effective braking. You can also face legal penalties, fines, and even vehicle impoundment, voiding your vehicle’s warranty and potentially leading to compromised insurance coverage in the event of a crash. 
Potential Consequences

• Mechanical Failure: Higher speeds put excessive strain on the vehicle’s engine, transmission, motor, and battery, leading to overheating, premature wear, and potential breakdowns. 
• Reduced Battery Life: Increased power consumption at higher speeds will drain the battery much faster, significantly reducing the vehicle’s range and potentially causing sudden shutdowns. 
• Compromised Braking: Vehicles are calibrated for safe stopping at their regulated speeds. Removing the limiter means brakes may not be effective enough to stop safely at the new, higher speeds. 
• Voided Warranty: Most manufacturers void their warranties if you tamper with or remove the speed limiter, leaving you responsible for any repair costs. 
• Safety Equipment Wear: Components like brake pads and tires will experience increased wear and will need to be checked and replaced more frequently. 

Legal & Financial Repercussions

• Legal Fines: In many jurisdictions, removing a speed limiter is illegal and can result in hefty fines. 
• Loss of Coverage: Your insurance coverage may be compromised or denied in the event of an accident if the vehicle’s speed limiter has been illegally modified. 
• Vehicle Impoundment: Authorities may impound vehicles found to have their speed limiters illegally disabled. 
• License & Registration: On some electric bikes, removing the limiter can reclassify the vehicle as a motorized vehicle, requiring a driver’s license and registration. 

Why Speed Limiters Exist

• Regulatory Compliance: Speed limiters ensure vehicles comply with local traffic laws and regulations, such as those classifying an e-bike as a bicycle rather than a motorized vehicle. 
• Component Protection: They prevent the engine or motor from exceeding safe operating limits, protecting components from damage and ensuring durability. 
• Traffic Safety: By limiting speed, manufacturers and lawmakers aim to maintain traffic flow and prevent dangerous situations for drivers, pedestrians, and other road users. 

Are speed limiters mandatory in the US?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has officially withdrawn its proposed rule mandating speed limiters on commercial motor vehicles, effective July 24, 2025, as published in the Federal Register.

Can you get rid of a speed governor?

Yes, you can technically remove a car’s speed governor, but it requires advanced knowledge and specialized tools for reprogramming the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU). It is not recommended for daily drivers due to significant legal and safety risks, including voiding your insurance, increased risk of component failure, and potential violations of traffic laws. For most people, a car’s speed limiter should remain in place as it serves a crucial function in ensuring the vehicle’s components and tires are operating within their safe limits. 
Why Speed Limiters Are in Place

• Safety: Limiters prevent exceeding the design limits of tires, suspension, and brakes, which could lead to loss of control or component failure at high speeds. 
• Component Protection: The limits are set to protect the engine and drivetrain from catastrophic failure, as higher speeds can cause parts like connecting rods to snap. 
• Legal Compliance: Speed limiters are a safety feature mandated in some commercial vehicles to comply with regulations and prevent accidents. 

Risks and Considerations

• Legality: Removing a speed limiter may be illegal, leading to fines, penalties, or license suspension. 
• Insurance: Your vehicle’s insurance policy may be voided if it’s discovered the limiter has been tampered with, leaving you financially exposed in an accident. 
• Vehicle Damage: Bypassing the governor without properly upgrading the corresponding components (tires, brakes, suspension) can lead to severe mechanical damage or catastrophic failure. 
• Warranty: Tampering with the ECU’s programming often voids the vehicle’s powertrain warranty. 

How It’s Done (Not Recommended for DIY)

• Professional Tuning: Opens in new tabThe process involves reprogramming the ECU, often by removing the module and sending it to a specialized tuner or using advanced diagnostic software. 
• Aftermarket Tuning: Opens in new tabSome aftermarket “chips” or tuning devices can override or remove the limiter, but these are not available for all vehicles and require expertise to use properly. 

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.