What It Means When the Speed Limiter Light Comes On

It usually means the vehicle’s speed-limiting function is active or intervening—either you’ve turned on the limiter or the car’s intelligent speed system is advising or restricting speed; if the light flashes or turns red, it often signals you’re exceeding the set or detected limit, or there’s a fault. In more detail, modern cars can show a “LIM” icon, a speedometer symbol with a marker, or a speed-limit sign to indicate that a driver-set limiter or Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) is on, that you’ve reached the set threshold, or that the system has detected a limit and is warning or intervening.

What the Indicator Usually Signifies

A speed limiter holds the vehicle below a chosen speed unless you consciously override it. Indicators vary by brand, but the basic logic is consistent across most late‑model vehicles.

Here are the common behaviors drivers may see across many makes and models and what they typically mean:

• Steady “LIM” or speedometer icon (often white/green): The speed limiter is switched on; if a set speed is shown, it’s actively governing up to that value.
• Icon changes color or shows a small marker at a specific mph/km/h: You’ve reached the set limit; power is reduced to keep you at or below that speed.
• Flashing icon and/or chime: You’re trying to exceed the set limit or the car’s detected limit; the system is warning you or momentarily intervening.
• Speed-limit sign symbol on the cluster/head-up display: The car has detected a posted limit via camera/map (part of ISA); it may suggest or apply that limit.
• Warning triangle or “LIM fault”/“Speed assist unavailable”: There’s a malfunction (e.g., camera/radar blocked, sensor fault) and the feature may be limited or off.

While colors and exact icons differ, steady indications generally mean “active,” flashing means “warning/intervention,” and fault messages mean “needs attention.” Always confirm specifics in your owner’s manual.

Why It Might Come On

Several normal and abnormal scenarios can light the speed limiter indicator in today’s cars.

Typical reasons the light appears include:

• You activated the limiter mode (often via a LIM button or a Cruise/LIM toggle).
• You’ve reached the set speed; the car is modulating power to prevent overspeed.
• The ISA feature detected a lower posted limit and is advising or gently limiting speed.
• You exceeded the set/detected limit; the light may flash and a chime may sound.
• A “speed warning” feature (separate from a limiter) triggered at a user-defined threshold.
• A system fault (e.g., after a windshield replacement the camera needs calibration, or sensors are obscured by dirt/snow).

If the light coincides with a message about detected speed limits or “assist active,” it’s likely routine operation; if it’s paired with warnings or persists with sensors blocked, it needs attention.

What To Do When It Illuminates

Respond based on whether the light reflects normal activation, a warning that you’re over the limit, or a malfunction.

Use this practical checklist to decide your next move:

1. Read the cluster message: Look for “LIM,” “Speed limit,” or ISA prompts indicating advice vs intervention.
2. Check the set speed: If you engaged the limiter, adjust it up/down with the +/- controls or cancel if you need full acceleration.
3. If the icon flashes/chimes: Ease off the accelerator to return below the set/detected limit; avoid relying on override in risky conditions.
4. If ISA set a limit you disagree with: Confirm the posted limit, then adjust the offset or temporarily override as your vehicle allows.
5. Clean sensors: If you see “camera blocked” or similar, clean the windshield area around the forward camera and the front emblem/radar.
6. Power cycle: Turn the car off and on; many systems reset and re-enable at each ignition cycle.
7. Consult the manual or service: Persistent faults or unavailable messages warrant a diagnostic scan and possible camera/radar calibration.

These steps help distinguish normal limiter behavior from conditions that could require service or adjustment to your settings.

How To Turn It Off or Adjust It

Controls vary, but most cars make it easy to switch between cruise control and speed limiter modes or adjust the target speed.

Look for these common control layouts and actions:

• LIM button on the steering wheel: Toggles the limiter on/off; press and hold may cancel a speed warning.
• Mode switch (CRUISE/LIM): Cycles between cruise control and speed limiter; your cluster confirms the active mode.
• + / – buttons: Increase or decrease the set speed in small increments; long press for larger steps.
• Cancel/Resume: Cancels the limiter temporarily; Resume reactivates at the last set speed.
• Driver-assist menu: Adjust ISA sensitivity, set speed offsets (e.g., +5 km/h), or turn speed warnings on/off.
• Kickdown/override: In many cars, a firm press through a detent briefly overrides the limiter for safety (overtaking), then returns to the limit.

If your car has only a “speed warning” feature, the cluster/menu will let you set or clear the alert without actually restricting acceleration.

Speed Limiter vs. Cruise Control

These two features are easy to mix up, but they behave differently on the road.

Here’s how they typically compare in use:

• Speed limiter: Lets you control the throttle up to a ceiling you set; it prevents unintended overspeed but doesn’t hold a constant speed on its own.
• Cruise control: Actively maintains a chosen speed; on hills it adds throttle or braking (adaptive systems use radar) to keep that speed.
• Adaptive limiter/ISA: May read speed signs and suggest or apply limits; it’s about compliance rather than comfort.

Knowing which mode you’re in helps explain why the light is on and how the car will respond when you press the accelerator.

Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) and Newer Cars

Since 2022 for new models, and from July 2024 for all newly registered vehicles in the European Union, ISA is mandated under Regulation (EU) 2019/2144. Many cars globally now ship with camera/map-based speed-limit detection that can warn the driver and, depending on settings, gently limit speed or prompt you to set the limiter to the detected limit. ISA is designed to be on by default, and while drivers can typically override or temporarily switch it off, it often reactivates at the next ignition cycle. You’ll commonly see a speed-limit sign icon and prompts to “Set to detected limit” when the system is active.

When To Seek Service

A light that behaves abnormally or is paired with warnings may indicate a maintenance need.

Watch for these signs that professional diagnosis is warranted:

• Persistent “Speed assist unavailable”/“LIM fault” despite clean sensors and a restart.
• Frequent misreads of speed limits after a windshield or camera/radar service—camera calibration may be required.
• Limiter cannot be switched off or adjusted; controls unresponsive.
• Related driver-assist warnings (lane assist, forward collision) appear together, hinting at a shared sensor issue.
• Stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for camera/radar modules or the instrument cluster.

Addressing sensor alignment and software updates promptly restores proper function and ensures legal compliance where ISA is required.

Safety Tips

Used correctly, the limiter and ISA can reduce speeding risk without compromising control.

Keep these best practices in mind:

• Confirm the posted limit yourself—temporary or poorly marked zones can confuse detection systems.
• Set a sensible buffer if your car allows an offset, but don’t rely on it to justify speeding.
• Know how to override for emergencies, and practice cancel/resume in a safe area.
• Keep the windshield area ahead of the camera clean and replace worn wiper blades.
• Recheck settings after each restart—many systems default back to “on.”

These habits help the system help you—without unexpected interventions.

Summary

When the speed limiter light comes on, it signals that a driver-set limiter or an intelligent speed system is active, that you’ve reached a set or detected limit, or that there’s a warning/fault. Steady icons usually mean the limiter is engaged; flashing or red often means you’re exceeding the limit or the system needs attention. Adjust or cancel the limiter as needed, verify posted limits, and service the vehicle if warnings persist, especially on cars with camera-based ISA mandated in regions like the EU.

How to get rid of a speed limiter?

The only method to disable the speed limiter without convincing a dealer to remove the software or buying a programmer is to remove the ABS fuses. This action will disable the speed limiter, but it will also deactivate the ABS and traction control if those features are present, as well as the speedometer.

Why is my speed limiter light on?

Speed limiter switched on. If the warning starts flashing, you have exceeded you maximum speed set on the limiter. Reduce your speed. If the warning continues to flash after you have reduced your speed, please contact an authorised repairer.

How do I turn off the speed limiter on my Chevy?

Pressing the LIM button while in automatic mode will turn Speed Limit Assist off. Also, activating Adaptive Cruise Control, if your vehicle has that available feature, will turn Speed Limit Assist off.

What happens if you hit the speed limiter?

When the pre-determined speed is met, the computer restricts the flow of fuel and air to the engine. Therefore, as a driver, you will not be able to exceed the pre-determined top speed. However, all speed limiters can be overridden. If there is a need to speed up quickly, pushing down hard on the accelerator will work.