🛑 DOT Kills Proposed Speed Limiters: The DRIVE Act Delivers a Victory for Truckers

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction – When government finally backs off your gas pedal

In a rare move that’s got drivers nodding in approval across truck stops nationwide, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has officially scrapped its proposed speed limiter mandate. And this time, it’s not just talk — it’s backed by the DRIVE Act, a piece of legislation now moving through Congress aimed at legally blocking federal speed limiter requirements from ever being enforced on trucks.

Translation? That ridiculous 65-mph limiter proposal that’s been hanging over the industry like a dark cloud for years? It’s getting crushed under the weight of good ol’ common sense (and trucker backlash).

Let’s break it down — what it means, why it happened, and what comes next.

Key Points – What’s happening with speed limiters?

📜 DOT’s rule withdrawn – The DOT has pulled its controversial proposal requiring trucks over 26,000 lbs to have speed limiters installed and set, likely at 65 mph.

🏛️ Enter the DRIVE Act – Introduced in Congress, this bill would make it illegal for any future rule to mandate speed limiters on commercial vehicles.

✋ Driver backlash won – Years of protests, feedback, and lobbying from truckers and independent groups finally hit home.

⚖️ Not law yet, but close – The DRIVE Act is moving through Congress with broad bipartisan support, and if passed, this becomes permanent — not just paused.

🚛 Exemptions might remain – Fleets can still voluntarily use speed limiters, but it won’t be forced onto owner-operators or small carriers.

Multiple Perspectives – Who’s clapping and who’s crying?

🚛 Truckers – “Bout time.” That’s the vibe at truck stops everywhere. Many felt the limiter rule would slow them down, create dangerous speed differentials, and kill productivity.

🧑‍⚖️ Lawmakers – Supporters of the DRIVE Act say it’s about safety and freedom, pointing to studies showing mixed results on crash rates in speed-limited trucks.

👔 Safety advocates – Some groups, like the Insurance Institute and the ATA (surprise!), aren’t happy. They claim limiters would reduce crash severity and emissions.

🛠️ Owner-operators – “This isn’t about safety. It’s about control.” Many small carriers felt the mandate was a backdoor way to squeeze out independents in favor of mega fleets.

Industry Impact – Why this is bigger than just a speed cap

This isn’t just about going 70 instead of 65. The limiter mandate was a battleground for bigger trucking issues — autonomy, driver independence, fleet consolidation, and government overreach.

Here’s why it matters:

Mega fleets already limit speed, and they love seeing independents forced to do the same. This levels the playing field back in favor of the little guy.

Time is money — and forcing all trucks to go slower would’ve cost drivers millions in lost drive hours.

Safety is complex — Limiting speed might reduce crash force, but it also increases bunching, aggressive passing, and risky lane changes.

Bottom line? Truckers fought this one hard — and for once, Washington actually listened.

The Bottom Line – This is a rare win. Let’s not waste it.

Speed limiter mandates had been creeping back onto the radar since 2022, when the FMCSA reopened public comment and got hit with over 15,000 comments, mostly negative. That response helped turn the tide.

Now, with the DRIVE Act in play, there’s a real chance to permanently block forced speed limiters — not just pause them.

But it’s not over yet:

The bill still needs full House and Senate passage.

Truckers and industry groups need to stay loud to keep the pressure on.

We must watch for sneaky amendments that bring this rule back under another name.

💬 What’s your take? Are speed limiters safer, or just a corporate control tactic? Drop your comment below or call your rep and tell them: let drivers drive.

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