It has been mandatory on all vehicles since July 1: what is this new system that monitors your speed at all times ?

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Since July 1, new regulations have come into force in France in order to further strengthen safety on the roads. All new vehicles must now be equipped with an intelligent speed limiter also known as ISA (Intelligent Speed ​​Assistance). This technology aims to reduce road accidents and improve user safety, but it also raises many questions.

Cameras and GPS

This speed limiter is a sophisticated system that uses a combination of cameras and GPS to detect the speed limits in force on the roads taken by the motorist. Once this information has been collected, it then alerts the driver when the vehicle's speed exceeds the authorized limit. This alert can take different forms depending on the manufacturer: an audible signal, a vibration of the steering wheel or accelerator pedal or even a visual message visible on the dashboard. It was already available on certain vehicles before that date.

Keep in mind that this system is not designed to take full control of the vehicle. Indeed, the driver always remains in control of his driving and can choose to temporarily deactivate the limiter if he deems it necessary (while exposing himself to a fine or danger). However, the device always reactivates each time the vehicle is started to encourage it to respect the speed.

This mandatory technology is part of a European directive which aims to halve the number of road deaths by 2030. France has made great progress on recent years since in 2023, only 3,170 people were killed on the road compared to nearly 4,000 in 2010. The speed limiter should further contribute to reducing this figure in the years to come , knowing that speed is a major cause of serious accidents.

Progressive deployment

If this system has been compulsory since July 1, 2024, its deployment will be done gradually. Indeed, vehicles that are already in circulation are not affected by this measure – at least initially. However, it is expected that all new vehicles sold from 2026 will be required to be equipped with this system.

This long-term deployment should allow manufacturers to adapt and integrate this new technology optimally into their vehicles. It will also give the authorities time to put in place the necessary infrastructure to ensure the proper functioning of the system – particularly on updating speeds and mapping routes.

You probably also guessed it: the introduction of this technology raises challenges. One of the main ones concerns the reliability of the system: the speed limiter must be able to accurately detect the speed limits in force, including in complex situations such as temporary work zones or changes in speed. limitation linked to weather conditions. If you already have such technology embedded in your vehicle, you certainly know that there is a real lack of reliability when you drive… whether on temporary routes or not.

Another challenge in France: the acceptance of this technology by road users. Some drivers see this system as an intrusion into their freedom of driving and as a surveillance tool. The government will have to reassure them about their private lives. What about insurance in the event of an accident?? Will insurers be able to refuse reimbursement in the event of excessive speed?? So many questions which still remain unanswered, even though the regulations has already come into force.

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