FMCSA delays truck speed limit regulations until May

The FMCSA speed limiter mandate, a regulation that has generated significant discussion, is experiencing additional setbacks, with its release now pushed back to May.

 Initially anticipated by the middle of 2023, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) postponed its introduction until the end of December last year. Yet, recent information from the U.S. Department of Transportation suggests at least a five-month delay in the unveiling of the FMCSA speed limiter regulation, with the possibility of further postponements.

This regulation aims to mandate electronic speed governors on trucks exceeding 26,000 pounds, setting a maximum speed yet to be disclosed. 

Speed Limiter Rule Creation Caused Controversy In The Community.

During a December Capitol Hill hearing, House Republicans questioned the integrity of the procedure.

A significant point of contention was raised by the U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, regarding the FMCSA’s decision to withdraw a previously suggested 68 mph limit on truck speed governors following a fundraiser attended by FMCSA’s former chief, Robin Hutcheson, allegedly sponsored by labor unions and major trucking firms advocating for a 60 mph speed limiter. Hutcheson refuted claims of discussing pending regulations with industry representatives.

Later the proposition met resistance from owner-operators who argued it could hinder driving flexibility and increase accident risks. 

Conversely, safety advocates and larger carriers, many of whom already implement speed limits on their fleets for economic and safety reasons, endorse the FMCSA speed limiters as a nationwide standard.

Speed Limiter Mandate: What Is It?

The FMCSA speed limiter rule requires commercial vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds to be equipped with an electronic control unit (ECU) capable of regulating vehicle speeds, the specifics of which are to be finalized during the rulemaking process. Although the FMCSA initially hinted at a 68 mph cap in a September 2023 report, this detail was later revised to omit any specific speed limit, leaving the maximum speed for heavy trucks undecided.

The April 2022 Notice of Intent to proceed with the speed limiter rule prompted extensive feedback from truckers. Many of them are concerned about the possible increase of driver’s anger due to the difference in speed on the road.