🚛 Truckers Rejoice: Trump Scraps Obama-Era Plan to Limit Big Rig Speed

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction – No More Speed Limiters? Say Less.

For years, truckers have been dreading that creeping federal rule to cap big rig speeds with mandatory limiters. It was part of an Obama-era safety push that rubbed drivers the wrong way — especially OTR haulers who felt it ignored real-world conditions.

But now?
Donald Trump just hit the brakes on the whole thing.
And drivers from coast to coast are celebrating like it’s $4.00 diesel again.

Let’s unpack what this means for you, the road, and the future of driver control behind the wheel.

What Was the Plan? – The Speed Limiter Mandate That Nearly Was

Under the Obama administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed a rule requiring all new commercial trucks over 26,000 lbs to have speed limiters. The idea was to cap trucks at 60, 65, or 68 mph — depending on what final rule made it through.

The reason they gave: Safety.
The problem truckers saw: More danger, not less.

Here’s what drivers said back then (and now):

“You can’t have trucks crawling on 70+ mph roads — it’s a moving road hazard.”

“It turns highways into death traps when cars are flying past us 20 mph faster.”

“You can’t legislate common sense — you need to trust the driver behind the wheel.”

Still, the rule crept forward in regulatory limbo… until Trump came along and scratched it out completely.

Why Trump Killed It – Politics Meets Practicality

Trump’s DOT (Department of Transportation) said the mandate was too restrictive, didn’t consider operational realities, and lacked full data support on its effectiveness.

But let’s keep it real…

• It was also a political move. Truckers are a massive voter base — especially in swing states.
• The ATA and OOIDA had lobbied hard against it. Industry voices were loud and unified: “Let the driver decide.”
• Small carriers and independents couldn’t afford retrofits.** Speed limiter mandates would’ve

hit them hardest.

Bottom line: Trump didn’t just reverse a rule — he tossed it off a bridge like an old Qualcomm.

Multiple Viewpoints – Not Everyone’s Popping Champagne

Here’s the kicker: not all truckers or safety advocates agree this was the right move.

👷 Safety Advocates Say:

Speed kills, plain and simple

Slower trucks = less force = fewer fatalities

Uniform speed helps traffic flow and reduces aggressive passing

🚛 Drivers Say:

Trucks already go slower than traffic — limiters would make it worse

They take control out of drivers’ hands

On hills and interstates, you need power AND speed to stay safe and efficient

👔 Fleets Say:

Some mega fleets already use limiters internally

But even they don’t want the feds to force everyone else into it

The Industry Reaction – A Collective Sigh of Relief (Mostly)

Across CB radios, driver forums, and trucking Facebook groups, the vibe was loud and clear:

“This was long overdue.”
“We ain’t race cars, but we ain’t turtles either.”
“Common sense just made a comeback.”

OOIDA released a statement applauding the decision, saying it “respects the professionalism of truckers” and avoids “one-size-fits-all” policies.

Even some fleet managers (quietly) admitted the rollback made sense in states with 75+ mph limits.

Bottom Line – The Road Just Got a Little More Free

Love him or hate him, Trump’s decision hit a nerve in the trucking world — and for many, it’s a win.

This ain’t just about speed. It’s about trusting truckers to make decisions on the road. It’s about not letting D.C. bureaucrats write rules that ignore reality.

Most of all?
It’s about keeping America’s highways running without turning rigs into moving bottlenecks.

📢 Call to Action:

👉 Want real trucking news without the fluff? Head to LifeAsATrucker.com
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