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2025 Heavy Truck Speed Limiter Compliance Checklist
Introduction
In 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized regulations requiring all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more to be equipped with electronic speed limiters. Starting in 2025, all applicable vehicles operating on U.S. highways must comply with these regulations, which aim to reduce the number and severity of crashes involving heavy vehicles.
This comprehensive checklist helps fleet managers, maintenance personnel, and compliance officers verify that their vehicles meet all requirements of the speed limiter mandate. By systematically reviewing hardware, software, documentation, and driver training elements, fleets can ensure full compliance and avoid potential violations, penalties, and safety risks.
Vehicle Information
Pro Tips for Speed Limiter Compliance
- Document Everything: Maintain thorough records of speed limiter installations, settings, calibrations, and any modifications. Document all maintenance activities, verifications, and driver training related to speed limiters.
- Consistent Fleet Policy: Develop a clear, written company policy on speed limiters that specifies approved settings, modification procedures, and compliance requirements. Ensure all drivers and maintenance personnel understand and follow this policy.
- Regular Verification: Schedule periodic verification of speed limiter settings, especially after maintenance that involves the engine control module or electronic systems. Include speed limiter checks in regular preventive maintenance routines.
- Tamper-Resistant Measures: Implement tamper-resistant measures such as password protection for ECM access, tamper-evident seals, and regular audits to prevent unauthorized modifications of speed limiter settings.
- Diagnostic Equipment: Invest in appropriate diagnostic equipment and software that can accurately verify speed limiter settings and functionality across your fleet's various engine and ECM types.
Hardware Compliance
Software and Settings
Verification and Testing
Documentation and Records
Tamper Prevention
Driver Information and Training
Regulatory Compliance
Maintenance Program Integration
Speed Limiter Verification Procedures
Follow these step-by-step procedures to properly verify speed limiter functionality and compliance. Each procedure should be performed by qualified personnel with appropriate equipment and training.
ECM Parameter Verification
- Connect appropriate diagnostic tool to vehicle's diagnostic port
- Navigate to engine parameters or speed control settings menu
- Verify road speed governor is enabled in ECM
- Confirm maximum road speed setting matches company policy
- Check that tire size and axle ratio settings are correct
- Verify any soft or hard limit settings are properly configured
- Generate parameter report and save to vehicle file
- Ensure security settings are enabled to prevent unauthorized changes
Road Test Verification
- Select a safe, controlled environment for testing
- Ensure vehicle is at operating temperature before testing
- Accelerate vehicle gradually to approach set limit speed
- Observe speed at which engine power is reduced
- Verify that vehicle will not exceed programmed limit
- Test under various conditions if possible (level road, slight grade)
- Compare actual governed speed with ECM setting
- Document test results including maximum speed achieved
Tamper Inspection Procedure
- Inspect ECM connectors for signs of unauthorized access
- Check integrity of any tamper-evident seals or devices
- Look for aftermarket devices that could affect speed control
- Verify ECM hardware matches vehicle records
- Check for unauthorized parameter-altering devices
- Compare ELD speed records with expected patterns
- Verify engine serial numbers match ECM registration
- Document inspection findings with photos if discrepancies found
Documentation Review Process
- Gather all speed limiter related documentation for vehicle
- Verify specifications sheet shows correct GVWR classification
- Check maintenance records for prior speed limiter verifications
- Confirm calibration records for speedometer and sensors
- Review any ECM programming change history
- Ensure required compliance certifications are current
- Verify driver acknowledgment forms are complete
- Update compliance tracking system with verification date
Compliance Progress
0% complete
Certification
Speed Limiter Compliance Verification
I hereby certify that I have completed a thorough speed limiter compliance verification of this vehicle according to the checklist above and applicable regulations. All issues have been documented for resolution as noted below.
Compliance Issues & Actions Required
Regulatory Requirements Summary
The following outlines the key requirements of the 2025 heavy truck speed limiter mandate. Understanding these regulatory specifics is essential for proper compliance.
Applicability Requirements
- Applies to all CMVs with GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more
- Includes both newly manufactured and existing vehicles
- Applies to vehicles operating in interstate commerce
- Covers commercial trucks, buses, and specialized vehicles
- Applies regardless of vehicle age or model year
- Includes vehicles with mechanical or electronic injection systems
- Applies to both private carrier and for-hire operations
- State-by-state variations may impose additional requirements
Technical Requirements
- ECM must be programmed with specified maximum speed
- Speed limiting must be tamper-resistant
- System must engage regardless of driver input
- System must reliably limit vehicle to programmed speed
- Speedometer must be calibrated and accurate
- System must function under all normal operating conditions
- Speed limiter cannot be temporarily disabled by driver
- System must ensure engine power reduction at set speed
Record Keeping Requirements
- Maintain documentation of speed limiter verification
- Keep records of parameter settings and changes
- Document maintenance activities related to speed control
- Retain evidence of compliance for required time period
- Maintain driver training records related to speed limiters
- Keep certification documents accessible for inspection
- Document all testing and verification procedures
- Maintain ECM programming and security protocols
Violation Consequences
- Civil penalties for non-compliance with mandate
- Potential vehicle out-of-service orders
- Impact on carrier safety rating and CSA scores
- Increased liability exposure in accident litigation
- Potential criminal penalties for intentional tampering
- Impact on insurance coverage and premiums
- Additional state enforcement actions as applicable
- Reputational damage and customer confidence issues
Conclusion
Implementing this comprehensive Speed Limiter Compliance Checklist is essential for ensuring that your heavy-duty vehicles meet all requirements of the 2025 speed limiter mandate. Regular verification and proper documentation not only keep your fleet in regulatory compliance but also contribute to improved safety, fuel efficiency, and reduced liability exposure.
For optimal compliance management, consider implementing the FleetRabbit Software to streamline your speed limiter verification process. The FleetRabbit platform enables digital documentation of all compliance activities, scheduled verification reminders, and comprehensive records for regulatory inspections. With the FleetRabbit APP, fleet managers can track compliance status across the entire fleet, manage parameter settings, and maintain audit-ready documentation at all times.
Make speed limiter compliance verification a standard component of your fleet management program with FleetRabbit's comprehensive compliance management solution. Whether for regulatory compliance, safety enhancement, or operational efficiency, this digital approach significantly improves verification thoroughness and documentation while reducing administrative burden. By leveraging FleetRabbit, you're not only ensuring compliance but also protecting your company from violations, penalties, and safety risks associated with non-compliant vehicles.
Access the digital version of this checklist through the FleetRabbit APP
© 2025 Heavy Truck Speed Limiter Compliance Checklist | Developed by FleetRabbit | Contact us at support@fleetrabbit.com for customized compliance solutions.