Feature · 3 min read
Speed Limiter Explained
Lets you set a maximum speed so the car helps you avoid creeping over the limit.
What is a Speed Limiter?
A Speed Limiter lets you set a maximum speed — say 30 mph in town or 70 mph on a motorway — and the car simply won't go faster than that, no matter how hard you press the accelerator. Unlike cruise control, you still control the speed with the pedal; the limiter only kicks in at the ceiling you've chosen.
How does it work?
You set the limit using buttons on the steering wheel, usually next to the cruise control. When you reach that speed, the car stops responding to extra pressure on the accelerator. Many modern cars also offer an Intelligent Speed Limiter that automatically uses the value from Traffic Sign Recognition, adjusting as the speed limit on the road changes.
What does it feel like?
You drive normally with your foot on the accelerator. As you approach the limit you've set, the pedal feels like it 'runs out' — pressing harder does nothing. To briefly exceed the limit (for example, to overtake) you can usually press the pedal firmly past a detent, or temporarily switch the limiter off.
Benefits
- ✓Helps avoid accidental speeding tickets
- ✓Useful in 20 and 30 mph zones where it's easy to creep over
- ✓Less mentally tiring than constantly watching the speedo
- ✓New EU cars since 2024 must offer an Intelligent Speed Limiter by default
Limitations
A limiter doesn't slow you down on a downhill — if gravity pushes you over the set speed, only the brakes will pull you back. Intelligent versions depend on Traffic Sign Recognition, which can be fooled by faded, dirty or temporary signs.
Common problems
- ✓Driver forgets the limiter is on and assumes the car is faulty
- ✓Intelligent system reads a slip-road sign and sets the wrong limit
- ✓Limiter cancels itself when you kick down to overtake
- ✓Warning beep every time you exceed the set speed becomes annoying on long trips