What This Decision Means for Truck Accident Victims and Road Safety
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has officially withdrawn its proposed rules that would have required speed limiters on heavy commercial trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds. This decision marks the end of a years-long push to regulate truck speeds at the federal level, leaving the responsibility for speed limits to individual states. For truck accident victims and their attorneys, the news raises serious concerns about highway safety and accountability in the trucking industry.
As a national truck accident law firm, Fried Goldberg LLC has seen firsthand the devastating consequences of high-speed truck crashes. Our truck accident lawyers understand that even a small increase in speed can dramatically exacerbate the outcome of a collision. Without a federal speed limiter mandate, there is now greater reliance on state laws, carrier policies, and safety technology to prevent these often catastrophic crashes.
Why Speed Limiters Have Been a Hot-Button Safety Issue
Speed limiters are devices that cap the maximum speed a truck can travel. Proponents argue that reducing truck speeds can save lives, lower the severity of crashes, and reduce fuel costs. The FMCSA’s own data previously suggested that limiting trucks to 65 mph could save 63 to 214 lives annually and reduce costs for motor carriers by hundreds of millions of dollars.
Opponents, however, have argued that speed limiters could create dangerous speed differentials between trucks and passenger vehicles, particularly on high-speed rural interstates. The trucking industry has also raised concerns about federal overreach into areas traditionally governed by states.
Ultimately, the FMCSA cited several reasons for abandoning the proposal, including:
- A February 2025 executive order requiring the removal of two regulations for every new one enacted
- Potential conflicts with state authority to set speed limits
- Data gaps regarding the real-world safety and economic impacts of speed limiters
- The growing use of alternative safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning (FCW) systems
How This Change Could Impact Road Safety
Truck accidents are among the most dangerous collisions on our highways. A fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at highway speeds can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. And when a crash occurs, the physics of that mass and momentum mean that the outcome for occupants of smaller vehicles is often devastating.
Speed is one of the most significant factors in determining the severity of a crash. The faster a truck is moving, the longer it takes to stop and the greater the impact force in a collision. By abandoning a nationwide speed limiter requirement, the FMCSA has left regulation up to the states, many of which allow trucks to operate well above the 65–68 mph range originally proposed.
This creates a patchwork of rules and raises concerns for interstate safety. A truck traveling across multiple states may be subject to different speed limits on each leg of its journey, which can complicate enforcement and increase risks for motorists.
Why Victims of High-Speed Truck Accidents Face Unique Legal Challenges
When a truck is traveling at excessive speed, the consequences of a crash can include severe or fatal injuries, extensive property damage, and long-term emotional trauma. Proving that speed played a role in the crash is often a key element in pursuing full compensation for victims.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will know how to:
- Obtain and analyze the truck’s electronic control module (ECM) or “black box” data to determine speed at the time of the crash
- Review carrier safety policies to see whether the company had voluntary speed restrictions in place
- Examine driver logs, dashcam footage, and witness statements to piece together the events leading to the collision
- Retain accident reconstruction experts to calculate stopping distances and crash forces based on speed
Without a federal speed limiter mandate, these investigative steps become even more critical. The absence of a legal requirement means attorneys must rely on a combination of physical evidence, company records, and expert testimony to prove speeding was a factor.
The Role of Safety Technology in Preventing Speed-Related Crashes
While speed limiters remain off the table at the federal level, safety advocates point to other technologies that can help reduce crash risks. Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning systems are becoming more common on newer trucks, and these tools can help mitigate some of the dangers associated with high speeds.
However, technology alone cannot replace sound policy and responsible driving practices. Safety systems are most effective when paired with strong enforcement of state speed limits, rigorous driver training, and proactive safety programs among carriers.
What This Means for the Future of Trucking Safety
The FMCSA’s decision shines a spotlight on the ongoing debate between federal regulation and state autonomy in trucking safety. While the agency’s withdrawal of the speed limiter proposal may be seen as a win for deregulation advocates, it also places more responsibility on individual states, motor carriers, and drivers to maintain safe operating speeds.
For victims of truck accidents, the lack of a nationwide speed cap makes it even more important to work with a law firm that understands the intricacies of trucking litigation. These cases require in-depth knowledge of federal and state regulations, accident reconstruction, and the trucking industry’s operational practices.
At Fried Goldberg LLC, we have handled truck accident cases in more than 40 states and dedicate over 95% of our practice to representing victims of truck and commercial vehicle crashes. We know how to uncover the truth, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident involving excessive speed, we are here to help you pursue justice and demand accountability. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
"Staff was very knowledgeable and well prepared. They got the settlement details worked out faster than we expected." - Tom D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐