FMCSA Updates Plans on Speed Limiters

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) seems intent on introducing speed limiter regulation despite negative reception for drivers. Perhaps as an olive branch, the FMCSA is taking a small step back on the subject for the time being.

Details

The idea of requiring speed limiters was first put on the table in late 2016, during the Obama Administration, but was shelved until recently under the Biden Administration, which has taken up the cause again.

There was a report on speed limiters aiming for a 68 MPH speed limit that was published on Monday, but has since been removed. The FMCSA has instead said in its section of the Significant Rulemaking Report for September (starting on page 19) that the exact speed limit will be determined at a later date, most likely at the time of rulemaking which is set to happen before the end of the year. Another change is that the regulation would not apply retroactively to trucks from model year 2003 and newer, but for all trucks.

Conclusion

While most industry stakeholders are against the idea of speed limiters, there are also some that are proponents of it. Todd Spencer of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) says that the regulation will be counterintuitive, while the American Trucking Associations says the pros outweigh the cons.

“Forcing trucks to speeds below the flow of traffic increases interactions between vehicles and leads to more crashes. It’ll be like an obstacle course for passenger vehicle drivers on our highways. This isn’t safe for truckers, but especially not safe for passenger vehicle drivers sharing the road with trucks. The unintended consequences of this misguided regulation will cost innocent lives,” said Todd Spencer.

“These are all things that have not only improved performance but have benefits to fuel efficiency and certainly have not compromised safety,” says ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. The ATA supports a speed limit of 65 MPH, or 70 MPH for trucks with proper safety systems.

Ultimately, only time will tell what happens in regards to speed limiters. After all, they would not want to go too fast!

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