5 things to know about the “smart” speed limiter, mandatory in 2022 and its risks

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Driving aids are numerous and among the most common are the famous regulators and speed limiters. Systems that have evolved, for example by integrating an adaptation of the distance with the vehicle in front in the case of the cruise control. Depending on the models, cruise control as a limiter may be able to adapt to the authorized speed limit. At the same time, other systems provide an alert if this limit is exceeded. In 2022, these latter functions will be part of the mandatory equipment for new vehicles, following a vote by the European Commission.

Called "Intelligent Speed ​​Adaptation" (AIV) or "Intelligent Speed ​​Assistance" (ISA), this so-called "intelligent" speed limiter has several subtleties that we present to you in five key points.

Speed ​​limit detection by camera and/or GPS

To know the speed that applies to the road taken by the motorist, the AIV system can use a camera for reading the limit signs or else the cartographic data of the on-board navigation system. A combination of the two methods is recommended by the regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Due to the cost involved, vehicles without this camera or navigation system will have to use the geolocation functionality linked to the SIM card of the eCall emergency call system, mandatory for new models since March 31. 2018. Information on the limitations in force will therefore have to be added to the positioning data used.

Several different versions of the system

Once the speed to be observed has been determined, it will be displayed on the vehicle's instrumentation. If the speed is exceeded, a visual or audible signal or a vibration of the accelerator pedal (like the haptic feedback of certain touch screens), or several of these elements will be generated.

Each manufacturer will develop its own system and will have the possibility of preferring an operation based on a clamping of the power once arrived at the indicated speed limit. The accelerator pedal can then, for example, harden in order to encourage the pressure exerted by the driver to be released.

In the event of firm and forced pressure on the right pedal, the system must momentarily authorize the speed limit to be exceeded.

A system that can be deactivated after each start

Like lane keeping assistance, the “intelligent” speed limiter will be active each time the vehicle is started. It will then be up to the driver to deactivate it, then possibly to reactivate it manually during the journey. The speed indication will remain visible.

An essential disable function to prevent errors or lack of detection. Frequent situations in work zones, in the event of poor visibility conditions for systems based on the single camera or in the event of loss of GPS signal, or even inaccuracies on the location in the presence of several nearby roads.

The potential dangers of the “intelligent” limiter

Under cover of a desire to improve road safety, this speed limitation automation system is not entirely without risk. Simple overtaking warning systems are simply a reminder to the driver and do not represent a particular danger. On the other hand, adaptive restraint systems, limiters in the proper sense of the term, can generate obstacles to safety in certain situations, justifying the possibility of deactivating them at any time:

If your future vehicle will be equipped with such a system, consider identifying and mastering the procedure for deactivating the “intelligent” speed limiter before your first laps if necessary.

Gradual application from July 6, 2022

The entry into force of this equipment will take place from July 6, 2022 for new vehicle approvals. New vehicles sold after this date but whose approvals are older, will not be affected. At least until 2024 when all new registered cars will be entitled to it. The obligation is not retroactive and it will not be necessary to install this system on a car not initially concerned.

The AIV will arrive on board at the same time as many additional pieces of equipment, subject to the same deadline obligations. Among these you will find:

to summarize

“Intelligent Speed ​​Adaptation” (AIV) will be part of a set of mandatory systems, embedded in new vehicles from July 6, 2022 as voted by the European Commission. Aiming to alert the driver to exceeding the authorized speed, or even to assist him in order to respect it, we detail in five points what you need to know about this legal novelty and the potential associated risks.