Getting a speed limiter removed: what’s legal—and where it can be done

In most places, you can’t lawfully remove a factory speed limiter for road use; where it is permitted, the only legitimate avenues are an authorized dealer/manufacturer software update or a licensed motorsport tuning shop for off-road/track-only use. Fleet-governed commercial vehicles can sometimes be reconfigured by the fleet through the OEM’s official channels. Below is a clear look at the legal landscape, where it can be done when allowed, and what to consider before you proceed.

First, understand the legal landscape

Speed limiters are often tied into safety and emissions systems, and tampering can violate regulations, void warranties, and jeopardize insurance. Rules vary widely by region and by vehicle type. Modern vehicles frequently use encrypted engine control units (ECUs) that require manufacturer authorization to change top-speed settings, further limiting lawful options to official channels or sanctioned motorsport uses.

Key regional considerations

Across jurisdictions, regulations are tightening around speed limiting and ECU security, and enforcement can include inspections, fines, or loss of roadworthiness. The specifics below highlight the most relevant frameworks as of 2025.

The following points summarize how different regions treat speed limiters. They are provided to help set expectations before you approach a dealer or shop.

• European Union: Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) became mandatory for new vehicle types in 2022 and for all new registrations in July 2024 under Regulation (EU) 2019/2144. Tampering with mandated safety systems can render a car illegal for road use.
• United Kingdom: The government has moved to align with EU-style General Safety Regulations, including ISA, for new type approvals from 2024 and broader application thereafter. Tampering risks MOT failures and insurance invalidation.
• United States: There is no general passenger-vehicle speed limiter mandate, but the Clean Air Act prohibits emissions-related ECU tampering, and many OEMs lock ECUs. Heavy/commercial vehicle governors are often required by company policy or state rules; tampering is commonly illegal. Federal rulemaking on heavy-vehicle limiters has been under consideration but not universally finalized for all classes.
• Canada: Tampering with emissions systems is federally prohibited. Ontario, for example, mandates 105 km/h limiters on most heavy trucks; tampering is illegal and enforced.
• Australia/New Zealand: Heavy vehicles have speed-limiter requirements under ADR/road transport rules; interference is unlawful. Passenger-vehicle changes that affect compliance can breach type approval and insurance terms.

The takeaway: for street-driven vehicles, removing or raising a limiter is often unlawful or practically impossible without manufacturer authorization. Track-only modifications may be permissible through specialist tuners, but those vehicles are not legal for public roads once modified.

Where it can be done—if it’s lawful in your situation

Assuming your jurisdiction and vehicle allow changes, there are only a few legitimate channels. The options below describe who can perform compliant work and under what circumstances.

• Authorized dealer or manufacturer service center: Some brands can reflash ECUs to a different factory calibration (for example, when a limiter exists for tire rating or fleet spec). This is typically limited to approved configurations and may require upgraded components (tires, driveshafts, brakes) before the software is changed.
• OEM fleet/upfitter channels: Commercial fleets can sometimes adjust governed speeds via manufacturer portals or approved upfitters. This must be done by or with authorization from the fleet owner of record and documented in service logs.
• Licensed motorsport/competition tuning shops: For closed-course or off-road vehicles only, accredited race/preparation shops can load a competition calibration that disables or raises the limiter. Expect strict paperwork, VIN logging, and “not for road use” disclaimers. Many modern ECUs require OEM security tokens—reputable tuners will not bypass encryption illegally.
• Motorcycle race ECUs/track kits: Some manufacturers sell “race” ECUs or kits through dealers that alter limiters for track use. These are explicitly off-road and generally make the bike non-compliant for street registration.
• Telematics-managed governors (fleets): If your limiter is set via a telematics unit rather than the ECU, only the fleet administrator or service provider can change it, and only within legal/insurer constraints.

If a party offers to “crack” security or bypass legal requirements for a road vehicle, that is a red flag. Stick to official or motorsport-only avenues with proper documentation.

Vehicles that typically cannot be legally de-limited for road use

Even if you find a willing shop, many vehicles are locked down by regulation, hardware, or contract. The list below outlines common cases where removal is not a legal or viable path.

• EU/UK vehicles with mandatory ISA or integrated safety systems that depend on speed governance.
• Leased or financed vehicles whose contracts prohibit powertrain software alterations.
• Newer models with encrypted ECUs and security gateways (e.g., brand-specific secure gateways) that require OEM authorization; unauthorized modification may be illegal.
• EVs where top speed is thermally and software managed (e.g., many mainstream EVs); OEMs typically do not permit increases, and aftermarket access is restricted.
• Commercial vehicles subject to statutory governors (e.g., Canadian heavy trucks at 105 km/h; many Australian heavy vehicles at 100 km/h).
• Vehicles equipped with tires, driveshafts, or brakes not rated for higher speeds—raising a limiter would violate safety specifications even if software were changed.

When these conditions apply, the correct answer is not “where to remove it” but “don’t”—or pursue a sanctioned track-only calibration and trailer the vehicle to events.

What it costs and how long it takes

When lawful, cost and turnaround depend on the channel and what hardware upgrades are required. Use the estimates below as ballpark figures; your make, model, and locale will drive the actual price.

• Dealer/OEM calibration: Often 0.5–2.0 labor hours plus any required hardware upgrades; expect roughly $100–$400 USD equivalent for the software portion, more if parts (e.g., higher speed-rated tires) are mandatory.
• Motorsport/competition tune: Commonly $300–$1,500 USD equivalent for a reflash; dyno validation can add $200–$600. Some late-model ECUs require licensable tokens or bench access, which increases cost and lead time.
• Fleet/telematics configuration: Usually handled under fleet service contracts; pricing varies by provider and may be bundled with subscription fees.
• Documentation: Reputable providers will note calibration IDs, keep a paper trail, and provide “off-road only” disclaimers where applicable—this paperwork is essential for compliance and future resale.

If a quote seems unusually cheap and promises to “bypass locks,” proceed with caution; you could face bricking the ECU, compliance violations, or insurance denial.

Questions to ask before anyone touches the ECU

Due diligence helps avoid legal, safety, and financial pitfalls. Use the checklist below to guide your conversation with a dealer or tuning shop.

• Is this legal for my vehicle and intended use in my jurisdiction? Will the car remain road-legal after the change?
• Will this affect emissions compliance, safety systems (ABS/ESC/ADAS), or odometer/speedometer accuracy?
• What supporting hardware (tires, driveshafts, brakes) must be upgraded to meet the new top-speed capability?
• Will my warranty, service plan, or insurance be voided or limited?
• How do you document the change (calibration ID, VIN logs), and can it be reverted to stock?
• Will routine dealer software updates overwrite the change, and what happens then?
• For fleets: can the adjustment be made through the OEM/fleet portal with full audit logs?

If a shop cannot answer these questions clearly—or declines to provide documentation—find another provider or reconsider the modification.

Safer alternatives if your goal is performance or comfort

Often the desire to remove a limiter stems from specific use cases—extended autobahn-style cruising, track events, or quicker passing. The alternatives below can deliver benefits without crossing legal lines.

• Factory performance packages or trims that are certified for higher speeds, including upgraded tires and brakes.
• Track-day settings or OEM “track mode” packages that improve cooling and performance without altering legal top speed for road use.
• Driver coaching or advanced track instruction, which typically yields larger real-world gains than top-speed increases.
• Choosing a vehicle variant with a higher certified top speed from the outset, preserving warranty and compliance.

These routes keep you within regulatory bounds while achieving most of the practical benefits drivers seek from de-limiting.

Summary

If you are asking where to get a speed limiter removed, the practical answer is: for road use, often nowhere—laws and ECU security usually prohibit it. Where it is lawful, your options are limited to an authorized dealer/manufacturer calibration or a licensed motorsport tuner for track-only use, with proper documentation and supporting hardware. Always confirm legality, safety implications, warranty and insurance impacts, and ensure changes are recorded and reversible. When in doubt, pursue OEM-approved performance packages or track-only solutions.

Is it legal to remove a speed limiter?

No, it is illegal to remove or disable the speed limiter on your vehicle in most places because it is a safety feature designed to comply with regulations and prevent accidents. Tampering with it can result in legal consequences, including fines and penalties, and can also invalidate your vehicle’s insurance coverage. Speed limiters are in place to ensure public safety, and their removal can lead to damage to the vehicle and compromise the integrity of the tires, which are rated for a specific maximum speed. 
Why speed limiters are used:

• Public safety: They prevent drivers from exceeding safe speeds, reducing the risk of accidents. 
• Vehicle safety: They keep the vehicle’s speed within the limits of the original equipment tires and other components, preventing potential blowouts or component failure. 
• Manufacturer compliance: Manufacturers program speed limiters into the vehicle’s computer to comply with government regulations and liability issues. 

Legal and Safety Consequences:

• Fines and penalties: You can face legal penalties for tampering with a vehicle safety feature. 
• Invalidated insurance: Your insurance policy may be voided, leaving you responsible for damages in the event of an accident. 
• Vehicle damage: Removing the limiter can lead to mechanical failures, such as a driveshaft failure, which can be catastrophic. 

What to consider if you still wish to remove it:

• Off-highway use: Some sources suggest that removing a speed limiter is sometimes done for off-highway use only. 
• Vehicle-specific tuning: Removing a speed limiter requires specific technical modification, such as reprogramming the vehicle’s ECU, not just a simple performance chip. 
• Professional assistance: This process is best handled by authorized service centers who can ensure that all systems work correctly and safely after the modification. 

It’s important to understand the purpose of these safety features and the significant risks involved before considering such a modification.

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.

Where can I go to get my speed limiter removed?

At Bluespark, we are able to remove or increase the speed limiter safely and efficiently by accessing your ECU via the OBD port and altering the settings. Speed limiter removal or adjustment can be complete within 30 minutes.

How to get speed limiter removed?

To get a speed limiter removed, the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) or powertrain control module (PCM) needs to be reprogrammed by a professional using diagnostic tools like VCDS or HP Tuners. This complex process involves either uploading custom software that raises or removes the speed cap, or sending the PCM to a specialized facility for reprogramming. Other methods include using aftermarket ECUs or, on older vehicles, physically disconnecting certain sensors.
 
This video demonstrates how to reprogram a Ford Transit van’s speed limiter using the Ford IDS software: 59sTool Hut USAYouTube · Dec 25, 2024
Methods for Speed Limiter Removal

• ECU/PCM Reprogramming (Remapping): This is the most common and direct method. 
  • DIY with a professional tuner: A skilled tuner uses specialized software, like HP Tuners, and an OBD2 cable to connect to the vehicle’s computer and modify the software to raise or remove the speed limiter. 
  • Sending the PCM to a service: You can remove the PCM from your vehicle and send it to a company that specializes in programming it to remove the speed limiter and restore it to factory settings. 
  • Using diagnostic software (like VCDS): This software can be used to access the vehicle’s systems and delete or increase the speed limit, as shown in a YouTube video, notes a user. 
• Aftermarket ECUs: Some high-performance applications use custom-built ECUs designed to bypass factory-imposed speed restrictions, though these require specialized knowledge and can be costly to install. 
• Mechanical Modification (Older vehicles): On some older models, like a Nissan 240SX, you can physically disconnect certain sensors to make the ECU think the engine RPMs in higher gears are different, which can prevent the limiter from engaging. 

Important Considerations

• Professional Expertise: Removing a speed limiter is a complex modification that should only be handled by experienced professionals. 
• Warranty Voiding: Such modifications may void the vehicle’s warranty. 
• Legality: Modifying or removing a speed limiter could be illegal depending on your region and can affect your vehicle’s compliance with local regulations. 
• Safety: Speed limiters are in place for public safety. Before making any changes, ensure your vehicle’s other components (tires, brakes, suspension, etc.) are capable of handling higher speeds, and that your driving skills are adequate.