Are Commercial Trucks in Florida Required to Have Speed Limiters?

Speed is one of the leading factors in motor vehicle collisions, including eighteen wheeler accidents. A truck that is driving faster than the speed limit is not only more likely to crash, it is far more likely to be involved in a catastrophic or even fatal crash. There are devices that can be installed within commercial trucks that prevent them from exceeding a certain speed. These are called “speed limiters”—but they are not required by law in Florida. Here, our West Palm Beach truck accident attorneys highlight key things to know about speed limiters and the law in Florida.

What is a Speed Limiter (Speed Governor)? 

A speed limiter—or as you may also hear it called a “speed governor”—is a device that can be installed on a commercial truck in order to restrict the vehicle’s maximum achievable speed to a preset limit. They are effectively safety devices that are designed to prevent a trucker from speeding on the highway. A speed limiter can make it impossible for the driver to reach high speeds.

FMCSA Considering Rule to Require Speed Limiters (Not Currently in Place) 

In 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced its intent for a regulation requiring speed limiters be installed on all newly manufactured tractor trailers. However, soon after, it was announced that the implementation would be delayed until at least May of 2025. Currently, we know that the FMCSA is still considering a proposal to require the mandatory installation of speed limiters on newly manufactured semi-trucks. However, it is not clear as to whether or not the rulemaking process will actually move forward later this year.  The FMCSA is actively seeking input from industry stakeholders before finalizing any regulations

Note: Florida state law does not require speed limiters. Some trucking companies do install them, but as of February of 2025, they are not mandatory under federal law or Florida law.

 Truckers are Responsible for Driving a Safe Speed at All Times 

To be clear, all truck drivers have a legal responsibility to comply with the speed limit. A large commercial truck should never be operated at an unsafe speed. While modern technologies like speed limiters can assist by capping maximum speeds, the ultimate responsibility falls on the driver. That speed limiters are not required by state or federal law does not mean that truckers should exceed the speed limit or otherwise drive too fast for road conditions. Not only is speeding a traffic violation, it is negligence. A speeding trucker may be responsible for a serious wreck in Florida.

 Get Help From a Truck Accident Attorney in Palm Beach County

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Florida truck accident attorneys have the professional expertise you can trust when it matters most. Hurt in a crash? We can help. Contact us now for a free review of your legal claim. We represent truck accident victims throughout Palm Beach County, including in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton, Jupiter, Wellington, and Delray Beach.

Source:

fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/speed-limiters