Speed limiters are programs or micro-chips that may be implemented within a vehicle’s engine computer system to prevent it from being driven more than a predetermined speed. At this time, there is no legislation in the United States requiring speed limiters on commercial trucks.
In Canada, however, there have been changes in two provinces. Despite reliable research to the contrary regarding safety, Ontario and Quebec passed legislation in 2008 to require all heavy-duty trucks to govern their engines to a maximum road speed of 105 km/h (65 mph). These laws went into effect Jan. 1, 2009
The Association contends speed limiters actually present a tremendous safety hazard for all highway users and will eventually hurt trade. Limiting the maximum speed of trucks to a speed lower than the posted limit in several other Canadian provinces and a number of U.S. states creates speed differentials, increasing the likelihood of dangerous interactions between vehicles. Research has long held that highways are safest when all vehicles travel at a uniform speed. Also, a survey of OOIDA members indicates very few U.S. owner-operators will continue to drive into Canada when the new legislation goes into effect.