EU Speed Limiter Law Kicks In

All new cars sold in Europe and Northern Ireland will include speed limiting tech, among other new safety features.

1 minute read

July 10, 2024, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of white 20 kph speed limit sign in Europe with cartoon turtle and '20 is plenty' sticker underneath.

Stephen Davies / Adobe Stock

Starting July 7, all new cars sold in the European Union and Northern Ireland are required to include a number of new safety features that include speed limiters, or intelligent speed assistance. “As well as the limiter, other ADAS features, including automated lane-keeping and autonomous emergency braking, will become mandatory.”

Gwyn Topham explains in a piece for The Guardian, noting that “Safety is the overriding reason for slower speeds, and as charities such as Brake and Rospa emphasise, even small increases above 30mph make a significant difference in outcomes, particularly for those who are not driving the car.” 

The limiters can be turned off, but will turn back on when the car is restarted. And due to the precise nature of computer monitoring, “Lawyers say those who switch off the speed limiter at the start of their journey may have a difficult time if they end up in court.”

Friday, July 5, 2024 in The Guardian

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