DBW Speed Limiter for Cars, Vans, HGVs and Buses
Our flagship Drive-By-Wire electronic speed limiter for vehicles with electronic throttle systems. Precision control, tamper-proof design, CAN bus integration, fitted nationwide.
Key Features
CAN Bus Integration
Connects directly to the vehicle CAN bus for precise electronic throttle control. No mechanical linkages - pure digital communication with the engine ECU.
Tamper-Evident Sealing
Factory-sealed unit with tamper detection. Any interference is immediately visible during DVSA or enforcement inspection.
International Type Approval
EU/ECE R89, UTAC, TÜV, and VCA type-approved. Accepted by enforcement agencies in the UK, EU, Middle East, and Asia.
Universal DBW Compatibility
Supports all major drive-by-wire throttle protocols. One product covers HGV, bus, van, coach, and specialist vehicle platforms.
The AutoKontrol Drive-By-Wire (DBW) speed limiter is an electronic speed limiter for vehicles with a drive-by-wire throttle, from HGVs, buses and vans to company cars. It caps the vehicle at a set maximum speed that the driver cannot exceed, and it is fitted at your premises anywhere in the UK. Featuring CAN bus integration, tamper-evident sealing, and EU/ECE R89 type-approval, it is trusted by fleet operators worldwide and designed and manufactured in the UK by AutoKontrol.
Drive-By-Wire (DBW) Speed Limiter
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Who the DBW Speed Limiter Is For
- HGV operators. Goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must be limited to 56mph (90km/h) under UK law. The DBW limiter is type-approved for goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
- Bus and coach operators. Buses and coaches with more than 8 passenger seats must be limited to 62mph (100km/h).
- Van and LCV fleets. Voluntary on vans under 3.5 tonnes, but widely fitted for safety, fuel and insurance reasons.
- Company car fleets. Voluntary on cars, usually set to 70mph. Our car speed limiter guide explains what is involved.
- Specialist and mixed fleets. Compatible with virtually all commercial vehicles, on both 12V and 24V electrical systems.
If your vehicle is a latest-generation truck or van with a SENT throttle sensor, you need our SENT speed limiter instead.
What is a Drive-By-Wire Speed Limiter?
The AutoKontrol Drive-By-Wire (DBW) speed limiter is our flagship electronic speed limiting device. It works by intercepting the electronic throttle signal between the accelerator pedal and the engine management system, providing precise, smooth, and tamper-resistant speed control.
Unlike mechanical speed limiters such as our System 80, which works on the vehicle’s fuel line, the DBW system operates entirely electronically, providing greater accuracy, faster response times, and wider compatibility with modern vehicle electronics.
How Drive-By-Wire Speed Limiting Works
In modern vehicles, the accelerator pedal sends an electronic signal to the engine management system (rather than a physical cable connection). The DBW speed limiter sits between these two systems, monitoring vehicle speed via the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) or CAN bus. When the vehicle reaches the pre-set maximum speed, the system gradually reduces the throttle signal to prevent the vehicle from exceeding the limit.
The speed reduction is gradual and smooth - drivers feel natural slowing rather than an abrupt cut-off. This ensures both safety and comfort while maintaining strict compliance with the set speed threshold.
Key Benefits
Regulatory Compliance
Meets all UK, EU, and international speed limiter requirements. EU/ECE R89 type approved for goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and passenger vehicles with 8 or more seats.
Fuel Savings
Reducing maximum speed by just 10mph can save 10-15% on fuel costs. For a fleet of 50 HGVs, this represents tens of thousands of pounds annually.
Safety
Speed is a factor in 24% of fatal road accidents. Speed limiters actively prevent speeding, protecting drivers, passengers, and other road users.
Insurance Reduction
Many fleet insurers offer 5-15% premium reductions for vehicles fitted with approved speed limiters. The device typically pays for itself within months.
Tamper Resistance
Tamper-resistant sealing prevents unauthorised modification. The system detects and records any attempt to bypass or disable the speed limiter.
Universal Compatibility
Compatible with virtually all commercial vehicles - HGVs, LCVs, buses, and specialist vehicles. Works with both 12V and 24V electrical systems.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | AutoKontrol Drive-By-Wire (DBW) Speed Limiter |
| Technology | Electronic Drive-By-Wire throttle signal interception |
| Speed Range | Adjustable from 10km/h to 130km/h |
| Speed Accuracy | +/- 1km/h |
| Power Supply | 12V DC or 24V DC (auto-sensing) |
| Current Draw | Less than 50mA standby, less than 200mA operating |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Speed Input | VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) or CAN bus |
| Enclosure | IP67 rated, tamper-resistant sealed |
| Type Approval | EU/ECE R89 |
| Certifications | UTAC, TUV, VCA |
| Vehicle Applications | HGV, LCV, bus, coach, specialist vehicles |
| Warranty | Two-year manufacturer’s warranty |
| Manufacturing | Chorley, Lancashire, UK |
Compatible Vehicles
The DBW speed limiter is compatible with virtually all commercial vehicles fitted with electronic throttle systems. Below are some of the most common vehicle applications:
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV)
- DAF CF / XF
- MAN TGX / TGS
- Mercedes Actros / Atego
- Scania R / G / P Series
- Volvo FH / FM / FE
- Iveco Stralis / Eurocargo
- Renault T Range / D Range
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV)
- Ford Transit / Transit Custom
- Mercedes Sprinter / Vito
- Volkswagen Crafter / Transporter
- Iveco Daily
- Renault Trafic / Master
- Peugeot Boxer / Expert
- Citroen Relay / Dispatch
Buses
- Alexander Dennis Enviro
- Optare Solo / Versa
- Wrightbus StreetVite
- Volvo B-Series
- Mercedes Citaro
Upgrade Option: TrackSpeed - Speed Limiter + GPS Tracking Combined
Upgrade Option
Take your fleet compliance to the next level. TrackSpeed combines the DBW speed limiter with ScorpionTrack Fleet GPS tracking - speed limiting and real-time fleet monitoring in a single device and single installation.
DBW Speed Limiter Fitting, Nationwide
Every DBW speed limiter is supplied with professional installation. Our approved mobile installers, part of SGH Connect, the Scorpion Group’s national installation network, come to your depot, yard or premises anywhere in the UK. The installer confirms the vehicle’s throttle system, fits and calibrates the limiter to the correct speed, tests it, and provides a calibration certificate and tamper-evident seal.
Read more in our speed limiter installation guide or see our UK fitting coverage.
Related Articles
- Drive-by-wire speed limiter technology explained
- Car speed limiter: can you fit one to your car?
- Speed limiters for vans: fleet guide
- Speed limiters for HGVs: complete guide
Ready to Equip Your Fleet?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for the DBW speed limiter, including installation through our survey and installation service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DBW speed limiter?
A Drive-By-Wire (DBW) speed limiter is an electronic speed limiter that intercepts the throttle signal between the accelerator pedal and the engine management system. When the vehicle reaches the pre-set maximum speed, it gradually reduces the throttle signal so the vehicle cannot exceed the limit.
Which vehicles can have a DBW speed limiter fitted?
Vehicles with an electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle, including HGVs, LCVs, buses, coaches, specialist vehicles and company cars. It works with 12V and 24V systems. Latest-generation vehicles with SENT throttle sensors need our SENT speed limiter.
Is the DBW speed limiter type-approved?
Yes. It is EU/ECE R89 type-approved and certified by UTAC, TUV and VCA, with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Can drivers override a DBW speed limiter?
No. The limiter is sealed with tamper-resistant sealing, and the system detects and records any attempt to bypass or disable it.
Do you fit DBW speed limiters across the UK?
Yes. Our approved mobile installers fit at your premises anywhere in the UK and provide a calibration certificate and tamper-evident seal with every installation.
Compatible Vehicles
Ideal For
HGV fleets (3.5t+)
Coach and bus operators
Commercial van fleets
EU-regulated vehicles
Get a Quote
Speak to our experts about speed limiter solutions for your fleet.