Speed Governors

From what I have read here most companies have their trucks' speed governed between 62-68mph. That means you would be driving under the legal limits on 70-75mph highways, correct? Would one get a ticket for that? I can understand the need for speed governors but doesn't this limit the hours a driver can do, or is that the general idea???

The posted speed limit is the maximum legal. States usually also post a minimum of 45-55. Companies use them to get better fuel economy as well as increase safety and comply with their insurance companies requirements. Your still limited by the same hour guidelines.

You won't get a ticket for 60 mph. The speed limit is just that, an upper limit. Some highways have speed minimums (I believe the highest minimum I've seen was 50) and barring circumstances where you need to go slower like traffic or weather you could potenially recieve a ticket for going too slow.

Governors can affect the miles you'll pull in a day, but honestly if you manage your time wisely it's really not an issue. I'm governed and manage to turn plenty of miles. Companies generally use them to reduce the rate and severity of accidents, and for better fuel economy. Even a reduction of 5 mph at highway speeds can mean the difference between life and death.

C. S. points out:

You won't get a ticket for 60 mph. The speed limit is just that, an upper limit.

That's right, if the speed limit is 60 mph or higher you're good. But, the most common speeding ticket for truckers is speeding in a 45 mph zone. So, if you're cruising down a two-lane Texas country road with a 70 mile per hour speed limit, and you hit town, you better be down to 45 quick, or you will get a ticket to the Policeman's Ball.

C. S. points out:

You won't get a ticket for 60 mph. The speed limit is just that, an upper limit.

That's right, if the speed limit is 60 mph or higher you're good. But, the most common speeding ticket for truckers is speeding in a 45 mph zone. So, if you're cruising down a two-lane Texas country road with a 70 mile per hour speed limit, and you hit town, you better be down to 45 quick, or you will get a ticket to the Policeman's Ball.

Yup, or a construction zone. Even if you don't see workers, if the signs are up the limit applies (except for those "when flashing" limits). Thankfully most (but not all) places give you plenty of warning when the speed limit's going to drop, I've found.

I can't confirm this for other states... but in texas a speed limit can only be enforced if its a white and black sign. I asked about that at one of my citizens police academy classes. even in con zones... gotta have a white and black sign.

I've always been a speed demon, whether in my cars/trucks or at the racetrack on my bike. When it will come to work related driving, SPECIALLY a big rig...I really don't mind the speed governor. Why would one want to speed down any road in a killing machine anyway?

I've always been a speed demon, whether in my cars/trucks or at the racetrack on my bike. When it will come to work related driving, SPECIALLY a big rig...I really don't mind the speed governor. Why would one want to speed down any road in a killing machine anyway?

because they don't care about their own or other's lives... it's all about getting somewhere asap or the thrill of speeding.

to many people in this world are in a hurry it seems... the funny thing is that that extra 10+ mph doesn't get you to your destination that much faster. do the math 60 miles go 60 mph will get you there in 1 hour, going 70 will get you there in about 51 min. 9 minutes... that's what you saved for going 10 over the limit BUT you used a lot more gas, risked a nice little speeding ticket and endangered lives more than normal. i it worth it to save 9 min? Also the chances of going 10+ over the limit the whole way is low... you're gonna have other drivers that slow you down so you'll prob only shave off 5 min of travel time in the long run...

I do think it will be frustrating if I'm going through some of Texas' 75-80 mph areas and be limited to 62-65 mph... gonna feel like a pace car with race cars zooming past me at 300 mph haha.

I do think it will be frustrating if I'm going through some of Texas' 75-80 mph areas and be limited to 62-65 mph... gonna feel like a pace car with race cars zooming past me at 300 mph haha.

Ask a Schneider or Swift driver how it feels!

Swift driver here.

Texas is an amazing place. Two lane roads (very nice ones, though) with a speed limit of 75.

Yes, Swift governs at 62. How does it feel? A bit slow. Do I feel like I'm a turtle on a horse race track? No, I'm just going a bit slower than other people.

In some straightaway areas, I will slide over a bit onto the shoulder, and allow others to pass me. Even regular four-wheel sedans flash their brake lights in thank you. No one "zooms" past me except flatbed supertruckers and oil tankers doing their own thing.