A proposed rule to mandate the use of speed limiting devices on heavy-duty trucks was published in the Federal Register on Sept. 7, 2016, officially opening the 60-day comment period on the rule. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released the proposed rule Aug. 26, which would require trucks weighing more than 26,000 lbs. to use speed limiting devices (also called speed governors). The DOT did not specify a speed to which trucks should be governed, but did suggest three possibilities: 60 MPH, 65 MPH or 68 MPH. Overall, the proposal offers little in the way of guidance toward what a final version of the rule could look like, and the DOT is mainly looking for feedback from the trucking industry and equipment manufacturers about the technical aspects of requiring speed limiters on new trucks as well as those already on the roads.
What does the ruling mean for new and older vehicles? According to Sandy Rosenfeld, CTP, manager of safety operations for Fleet Advantage, the rule will impact all new trucks in service once passed.
“Because of the significant safety implications involved with speed limiters, this is yet another reason why newer is better when it comes to trucks on the road,” she says. “Speed limiters will help reduce accidents and fatalities/injuries, as well as help improve a fleet’s total cost of ownership, driver retention, and overall air quality in the environment.”