Speed limiters work differently depending on your vehicle's make and model, but most can be disabled through the dashboard controls or steering wheel buttons while the engine is running.
A speed limiter is a safety feature that prevents your vehicle from exceeding a speed you set — typically between 30 and 120 mph, depending on the car. Unlike cruise control, which maintains a constant speed, a speed limiter only acts as a ceiling. You can still accelerate up to that limit, but the engine won't push beyond it.
The method to disable it depends on whether your vehicle has a physical button, a touchscreen menu, or steering wheel controls. Most drivers can turn it off in under a minute once they know where to look. If you've never used the feature, it may have been activated accidentally, or you might want to remove it for highway driving where speed limits change frequently.
Key Takeaways
- Speed limiters are turned off through steering wheel buttons, dashboard controls, or the infotainment menu — the exact location depends on your vehicle's year and manufacturer.
- Most vehicles let you disable the limiter by pressing a dedicated button or scrolling through the settings menu while the car is running.
- If you cannot find the control, your owner's manual will show the exact button location and the steps for your specific model.
- Disabling the speed limiter does not affect any other safety features like traction control or automatic emergency braking.
Finding the speed limiter control in your vehicle
The control location varies by manufacturer. In many vehicles, you'll find a dedicated button on the steering wheel or a stalk below it. Look for a button labeled "LIMIT," "SPD LIMIT," or an icon that shows a speedometer with a line through it. Some vehicles use a combination of buttons — often the same ones that control cruise control.
If your car has a touchscreen infotainment system, the speed limiter may be accessed through a menu rather than a physical button. Check the "Settings," "Vehicle," or "Driver information" section of the main menu. The exact path depends on whether you drive a Ford, Toyota, BMW, Volkswagen, or another brand — each manufacturer organizes these menus differently.
Your owner's manual is the fastest way to find the exact control. Search the index for "speed limiter," "speed limit," or "driver information," and it will show you a photo of the button and the steps to disable it. If you don't have a physical manual, most manufacturers post them online as PDFs — search "[Your vehicle year and model] owner's manual" to read it.
Disabling the limiter using steering wheel controls
If your vehicle has steering wheel buttons, the process is usually straightforward. Locate the button labeled "LIMIT" or the speed limiter icon on the left or right side of the steering wheel. Press and hold it for one to two seconds, or press it once depending on your vehicle's design.
You should see a message on your dashboard or instrument cluster confirming that the speed limiter is off. Some vehicles display "Speed Limiter Off" or straightforward remove the limiter icon from the display. If nothing happens on the first press, try pressing the button again — some vehicles require a second press to fully deactivate the feature.
If you see a menu appear instead of an when ready off message, use the up or down arrow buttons on the steering wheel to scroll to "Off" or "Disable," then press the center button to confirm. This is more common in newer vehicles with more advanced control systems.
Turning off the limiter through the dashboard menu
On vehicles with touchscreen displays, start by pressing the "Menu" or "Settings" button on the dashboard or steering wheel. Navigate to the section labeled "Vehicle Settings," "Driver information," or "Safety Features" — the exact name depends on your manufacturer.
Once you're in that menu, look for "Speed Limiter," "Speed Limit," or "Maximum Speed." Select it, and you should see options like "On," "Off," or "Disabled." Tap or select "Off," and the system will confirm the change. The limiter should be disabled when ready, though some vehicles require you to restart the engine for the change to take effect.
If you're having trouble finding the right menu, try using the search function if your infotainment system has one. Many newer vehicles let you type "speed" or "limiter" to jump directly to the setting you need.
What happens after you disable the speed limiter
Once the speed limiter is off, your vehicle will accelerate normally without any ceiling on speed. You'll have full control over the throttle, and the engine will respond to your foot pressure the same way it did before the limiter was activated.
Disabling the speed limiter does not affect other safety systems. Your traction control, stability control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping information will continue to work as they normally do. The speed limiter is an independent feature, so turning it off won't change how those systems operate.
If you want to re-enable the speed limiter later — for example, on a long highway drive where you want to avoid speeding tickets — you can follow the same steps in reverse. Most vehicles remember the last speed limit you set, so you may be able to turn it back on and it will default to that speed.
Troubleshooting if the limiter won't turn off
If you've pressed the button or navigated the menu but the speed limiter is still active, try restarting the vehicle. Turn off the engine, wait 30 seconds, and start it again. Some vehicles require a full restart to register changes to driver information features.
Check whether the limiter might be locked by a parental control or fleet management system. Some vehicles used by rental companies or businesses have speed limiters that cannot be disabled by the driver. If this is a rental or company vehicle, contact the rental agency or your fleet manager to have it removed.
If you've tried restarting and the limiter is still on, consult your owner's manual or contact your vehicle's manufacturer customer service line. There may be a specific sequence of button presses required for your model, or the feature may be malfunctioning and need service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does disabling the speed limiter affect my fuel economy?
No. The speed limiter is purely a safety feature that prevents acceleration beyond a set speed. Turning it off doesn't change how the engine operates or how much fuel you use. Your fuel economy depends on your driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance — not on whether the limiter is active.
Will turning off the speed limiter disable cruise control too?
No. Speed limiter and cruise control are separate systems. Disabling one does not affect the other. You can have cruise control on while the speed limiter is off, or vice versa. They operate independently.
Can I set the speed limiter to a different speed instead of turning it off completely?
Yes. Most vehicles let you adjust the speed limit up or down using the steering wheel buttons or menu. Press the up arrow to increase the limit or the down arrow to decrease it. This is useful if you want to keep the feature active but change the maximum speed.
What if my vehicle doesn't have a speed limiter?
Not all vehicles come equipped with a speed limiter. Older models and some budget vehicles may not have this feature at all. If you don't see a button or menu option for it, your vehicle likely doesn't have one. Check your owner's manual to confirm.
Is it safe to drive without a speed limiter?
Yes. The speed limiter is an optional safety aid, not a required safety system. Millions of vehicles operate without one. Driving safely depends on your attention, road conditions, and following posted speed limits — not on whether a speed limiter is active.