Is it illegal to take off your speed limiter?

It depends on where you live and what you drive. Removing or disabling a speed limiter is illegal on vehicles that are required by law to have one (for example, heavy trucks and buses in many countries). On most privately owned passenger cars, it’s not explicitly illegal in some jurisdictions (such as the United States), but it can still break other laws, invalidate insurance, or make the vehicle unroadworthy. New rules in the European Union also make tampering with mandated driver‑assistance systems unlawful.

Why the answer varies by vehicle and jurisdiction

Speed limiters can be mandated for safety and compliance. The legality of removing them hinges on two questions: whether the limiter is legally required on your vehicle class, and whether tampering undermines type‑approval, emissions rules, or insurance and roadworthiness standards where you drive.

Commercial vehicles that must have limiters

For heavy vehicles, the law is usually clear: if a limiter is required, removing or bypassing it is illegal. This covers most heavy trucks and buses in many regions.

Key regional approaches include:

• European Union: Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and buses must be limited (commonly around 90 km/h). Tampering is prohibited; operators face penalties and vehicles can be taken off the road.
• United Kingdom: HGVs and buses are required to have speed limiters; disabling them is illegal and can lead to enforcement action by DVSA and police.
• Canada: Provinces such as Ontario and Quebec require large trucks to be governed (e.g., 105 km/h); tampering carries fines and enforcement consequences.
• Australia: Many heavy vehicles must have limiters under the Australian Design Rules and Heavy Vehicle National Law; tampering is an offence.
• United States: As of late 2025, there is no finalized nationwide mandate for speed limiters on heavy trucks, though federal rulemaking has been proposed. Fleet policies and state enforcement of unsafe modifications still apply.

Bottom line: if your vehicle category is one that must be limited where you operate it, removing the limiter is illegal and can lead to fines, vehicle impoundment, and liability exposure.

Passenger cars

For private passenger cars, the picture is more nuanced and changing, especially with new driver‑assistance requirements.

Considerations by region:

• European Union: Since July 2022 (new type approvals) and July 2024 (all new registrations), cars must be fitted with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA). ISA is not a hard speed cap, but tampering with required safety systems can violate EU Regulation 2019/2144 and national law, potentially making the car illegal to use on public roads.
• United Kingdom: HGV/bus limiters remain mandatory. ISA for cars has been under review; while GB has moved to adopt many UN safety regulations, ISA requirements for all new cars sold domestically have not uniformly mirrored the EU as of 2025. Tampering with any mandated safety device is unlawful, and modified vehicles can fail MOT and be deemed unroadworthy.
• United States: There’s no federal requirement for passenger cars to have speed limiters. Removing a factory speed governor via tuning is not per se illegal in many states, but modifications that affect emissions controls or OBD systems can violate the Clean Air Act. Insurers may treat such modifications as a material change, and liability can increase after a crash.
• Canada and Australia: No general speed‑limiter mandate for cars, but vehicles must continue to meet type‑approval and design‑rule standards. Modifications that undermine compliance, safety systems, or emissions rules can be illegal and lead to inspection failure or insurance issues.

In practice, defeating a limiter on a passenger car can still carry legal and financial risks even if there’s no explicit “limiter law” for cars in your region.

E‑bikes and e‑scooters

Electric micromobility devices often have strict legal speed caps tied to their classification. “Derestricting” them is commonly illegal on public roads and paths.

Typical rules include:

• European Union: Pedelecs are limited to 25 km/h. Removing the limiter can reclassify the bike as a moped or motorcycle, requiring registration, insurance, a helmet meeting motorbike standards, and appropriate licensing.
• United States: Class 1/2 e‑bikes are limited to 20 mph; Class 3 to 28 mph. Many states prohibit tampering that changes class without re‑labeling and re‑compliance; operating a derestricted bike outside the proper class can be illegal.
• United Kingdom: E‑bikes allowed on roads and cycleways are limited to 15.5 mph (25 km/h). Derestricted models become motor vehicles requiring registration, insurance, and a licence; riding one without those is illegal.

If you remove a limiter on an e‑bike or scooter and keep riding it on public roads or paths, you’re likely breaking the law unless you reclassify and comply with motor vehicle rules.

Legal and practical risks even when it’s not explicitly banned

Removing a limiter can expose you to other violations and liabilities that matter as much as a direct prohibition. Here’s what owners commonly overlook.

• Insurance: Undeclared performance modifications can void coverage; claims may be denied after a crash.
• Type approval/inspection: Vehicles can fail MOT, roadworthiness, or inspection tests if required systems are disabled.
• Emissions law: ECU tunes and devices that affect OBD readiness or emissions controls can violate environmental regulations.
• Civil and criminal liability: Prosecutors and insurers may argue reckless modification aggravated a collision’s severity.
• Safety limits: Tires, brakes, and cooling systems are rated for certain speeds; exceeding them increases failure risk.
• Warranty and recalls: Powertrain warranties can be voided; OTA updates may be blocked or reversed by tampering.

Even absent a specific “anti‑tampering” statute, these risks can be costly and have real legal consequences.

What to do if you’re considering changes

If you’re thinking about altering a speed limiter, there are safer, legal paths to explore before you act.

• Check current local law: Consult your transport authority or a qualified lawyer; rules change and can be specific to your vehicle class.
• Use track‑only settings: Keep any derestriction to closed‑course use, with a method to restore stock settings on public roads.
• Declare modifications: Tell your insurer and confirm coverage; obtain a revised policy if needed.
• Stay emissions‑compliant: Avoid tunes or devices that disable OBD functions or emissions equipment.
• Consider OEM solutions: Some manufacturers offer official software or performance packages that maintain compliance.

Being proactive can help you avoid fines, inspection failures, or uncovered losses if something goes wrong.

The takeaway

Whether it’s illegal to “take off” your speed limiter depends on your jurisdiction and vehicle type. It is clearly unlawful for vehicles that must be limited by law (notably heavy trucks and buses in the EU, UK, Canada, and Australia). For passenger cars, explicit bans are less common in places like the U.S., but tampering can still violate emissions rules, undermine type‑approval, and void insurance—and EU rules now make disabling required driver‑assistance systems unlawful. E‑bike and e‑scooter derestriction is typically illegal for public‑road use without reclassification and full compliance. When in doubt, check local regulations and speak with your insurer before making changes.

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 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.

Does removing the speed limiter damage a car?

Manufacturers design vehicles to operate within specified speed limits to ensure longevity and reliability. Removing the speed limiter may result in excessive wear and tear, reducing the lifespan of your vehicle and potentially leading to costly repairs.

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.