Mandatory Speed Limiters for UK Cars: Effective July 2024
Published Date: 2nd Jul 2024
Starting July 7, 2024, a new era of road safety begins as all new cars sold in the UK must be equipped with an Intelligent Speed Assist system (ISA) technology. This innovative system uses GPS and road sign recognition to ensure vehicles adhere to speed limits, significantly enhancing road safety. Although part of EU law, this new regulation applies to the UK and impacts all new vehicles sold after this date, including cars and vans. This initiative aims to reduce accidents caused by speeding and create a safer driving environment for everyone.
Why ISA Matters to You
ISA technology isn't just a regulatory requirement—it's a step forward in making our roads safer and driving more enjoyable. By preventing speeding, ISA helps reduce the risk of accidents, improve fuel efficiency, and decrease emissions. For new car buyers, this means adhering to the latest safety standards and enjoying a smarter, more responsible driving experience.
What is a Speed Limiter?
A speed limiter, or Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), is a sophisticated system that keeps your vehicle within legal speed limits. Unlike cruise control, which achieves and maintains a set speed, ISA dynamically adjusts your maximum speed based on road conditions and speed limits. Using GPS data and camera-based recognition of road signs, ISA ensures you never unintentionally exceed speed limits, enhancing safety and fuel efficiency.
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How Does ISA Work?
ISA uses available GPS data and traffic sign recognition cameras to determine current speed limits accurately. If your vehicle exceeds these limits, the system issues warnings through haptic feedback, visual signals, and audio alerts to prompt you to slow down. Additionally, ISA can reduce vehicle power to help you comply with speed regulations. Importantly, you remain in control and can override the system if necessary, ensuring a seamless and safe driving experience.
Preparing for the Change
All new vehicles sold after July 7, 2024, must be equipped with ISA technology. Vehicles already on forecourts or manufactured before this date must have an ISA system retrofitted before sale. This regulation ensures all new cars meet the latest UK safety standards, providing peace of mind for new car buyers.
Driver Responsibility and System Limitations
While ISA significantly enhances road safety, drivers remain responsible for maintaining appropriate speeds. The system is designed to support, not replace, driver awareness. Issues like hidden road signs or GPS inaccuracies can affect ISA performance, making driver vigilance essential.
Manufacturers offer various ISA alert configurations, including gentle foot pushback, automatic propulsion reduction, or visual and audio signals. These mechanisms are designed to be informative without being intrusive. In December 2025, anonymised data will be used to review the effectiveness of these systems and determine the best strategies for road safety through technology.
Can You Disable a Speed Limiter?
The system allows for temporary deactivation within a journey but reactivates with every new trip. This feature ensures that the speed limiter is a consistent presence, aiding in compliance with speed regulations and enhancing your road safety.
This significant change aims to increase safety, standardise vehicle manufacturing across EU & UK markets, and pave the way for further advancements in autonomous driving technologies. Understanding these systems will be crucial for all potential car buyers and automotive industry stakeholders as we move closer to the implementation date.
Key Points to Remember
- Speed Limit Compliance Mandated for All New Cars: Effective July 7, 2024, every new car in the UK must be equipped with an Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) system.
- Post-Brexit Adoption: Despite leaving the EU, the UK will enforce the EU's speed limiter rules, ensuring road safety remains a top priority.
- Universal Implementation Across Europe: The European Commission requires all European countries, including the UK, to adopt the 2019/2044 regulation.
- Retrofit Required for Unregistered Vehicles: Cars manufactured before July 7 but still need to be registered and sold must be fitted with ISA before leaving the supplying dealership.
- Driver Responsibility Remains: Even with ISA technology, drivers are ultimately accountable for exceeding speed limits.
- Enhanced Safety Measures: ISA systems are set to standardise safety, reduce speed-related accidents, and prepare for future advancements in autonomous driving.
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