Cars that will be affected by new speed limit laws that will ‘change how we drive’ as Brits given one week warning

Incase you weren't aware, UK drivers are set to undergo a major change which could see the way we drive changed forever.

We're of course talking about the new law regarding mandatory speed limiters that is set to come into effect from 7 July 2024.

But what cars will be impacted by the change in the law?

According to the new law, all new cars bought after 7 July will need to be fitted with an Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) system, with all car manufacturers in the UK legally required to make sure all cars on sale have speed limiters fitted to them.

They will also be required to make sure older models for sale are retroactively fitted with ISA systems before purchase.

So there you have it, any new car bought after 7 July will have a come with a speed limiter already fitted.

What is a speed limiter?

Simply put, a speed limiter is a device that aims stops your car travelling above a certain speed.

Unlike cruise control, which is used to make long journeys more comfortable, you'll still accelerate as normal but the limiter will produce warnings or may even reduce engine power.

Where did the new law on speed limiters come from?

The law on speed limiters was originally introduced back in 2022 by the European Union. Now you may be thinking that Brexit would make us exempt from the new rules, however, the UK has also chosen to ratify the law over here.

This means that speed limiters will not only be mandatory in the UK but across the whole of the continent.

The move has divided UK drivers. (Getty Stock Images)

How will the speed limiters work?

According to WeBuyAnyCar, the new speed limiters will either use an ISA system (which uses cameras to traffic signs), GPS technology or a mix of both to regulate drivers' speed.

Some cars may even use a mix of both systems.

The systems will either be advisory, supportive or intervening. In simple terms, this means that cars will be automatically limited to the speed of the road they're on.

An advisory system is the least invasive of the three, with a warning symbol popping up on the driver's screen if they exceed the speed limit. Whereas a mandatory limiter will reduce engine power if you exceed the speed limit of a certain road.

It's worth noting that several car brands already come fit their vehicles with advisory speed limiters, but the change will see newer cars move towards the mandatory version.

The change will be controversial amongst UK road users. (Getty Stock Images)

"The new rules, set to take effect in July, introduce 'mandatory' speed limiters, changing how we drive on roads. These Intelligent Speed Assistance systems will become standard, forcing drivers to stick to speed limits automatically,” said a spokesperson for Motor Match said.

Experts insist the move will reduce collisions on UK roads though not everyone is convinced, with concerns already being raised over the change.