Drivers face ‘severe’ consequences and legal action for removing speed limiters from cars

One expert warned that attempting to bypass these speed limiters could result in a range of serious issues for drivers.

These include voiding manufacturer warranties, invalidating insurance policies, and potentially facing legal action.

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The warnings come as the technology becomes increasingly used on British roads, with nearly all new cars featuring ISA systems.

The ISA technology uses GPS data to warn drivers when they are going over the speed limit on the road they're travelling on.

But under new European Union rules, all cars sold in showrooms will be required to have ISA fitted, regardless of where the vehicle was manufactured.

Now experts at GSF Car Parts have emphasised that tampering with speed limiters not only affects the vehicle's compliance with UK and EU regulations but it also poses significant safety risks.

Steve Horne, CEO of GSF Car Parts, said: “With the introduction of mandatory ISA systems in new cars, GSF Car Parts is committed to supporting drivers and mechanics through this significant industry shift.

“It is clear drivers could face severe consequences for trying to remove this technology, from insurance issues to even legal action.

“Whether motorists decide to modify or not, we always urge drivers to drive safely and stick to the limit to keep themselves and others on the road safe.”

The distributor's stance also aligns with broader efforts by the car industry to enhance road safety and ensure vehicles follow local speed limits.

GSF Car Parts warned that tampering with the ISA tech could damage vehicle systems, as limiters are integrated with engine management and electronic control units.

An expert from BigWantsYourCar.com has previously detailed how ISAs are designed to ensure that vehicles automatically stay within the speed limit.

The expert stated: "The ISA technology uses GPS data and traffic-sign-recognition cameras to determine the speed limit in an area and adjusts the vehicle’s speed accordingly.

“Now, drivers do have the option to turn off the ISA system, but here’s the catch—it reactivates every time the car is started.”

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Although the Department for Transport has commissioned research which looks at the positive and negative impacts that would come if the rules were to be introduced in Great Britain, with an update expected in the near future.

The DfT remains a member of the European New Car Assessment Programme which incentivises many technologies already included in the General Safety Regulation.

If any rules were to change in relation to the new safety features, the DfT stated that it would require consultation and legislation to amend the GB-type approval scheme.