Protect Your Tesla Using Speed Limit Mode
Tesla’s Speed Limit Mode is a safety feature that allows drivers to set a maximum speed limit on the vehicle. This feature is useful for parents of inexperienced drivers, or when loaning your Tesla to others. Limit tops speeds between 50-120 mph by activating from your touchscreen or Tesla app.
Control the top speed of your vehicle when it’s out of your hands by using Speed Limit Mode. This feature is particularly useful for parents who want to restrict the speed at which their teenage children (or other inexperienced drivers) can drive the car. Although Speed Limit Mode is not a substitute for responsible driving, it is an additional safety feature that can help prevent accidents and fines, and provide owners with peace of mind.
Tesla’s Speed Limit Mode is useful for certain drivers and situations. Learn:
- what it is
- when to use it
- how to turn it on and off
- how to select and change top speeds
What is Tesla’s Speed Limit Mode?
Tesla’s Speed Limit Mode is a safety feature that allows owners to restrict the maximum speed of their vehicle to 50-120 mph (80-193 kph) when turning it over to a temporary driver. This feature will also reduce acceleration by placing the vehicle in Chill Mode. A PIN is required.
When to Use Tesla Speed Limit Mode
Using the Speed Limit Mode in a Tesla can be a good idea in several situations:
1. Teenaged or inexperienced drivers
If you have a teenage driver or someone who is new to driving, Speed Limit Mode can be a good way to ensure they don’t exceed safe driving speeds. This can help to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries or fines, and increase safety.
2. Valet parking
When you hand over your Tesla to a valet, you may want to limit the speed at which they can drive your car to avoid reckless driving or damage to your vehicle.
Pro Tip: Choose Valet Mode to add even more restrictions.
3. Rental or shared use
If you are renting out your Tesla (like on turo.com) or sharing it with others, Speed Limit Mode can help ensure that other drivers don’t exceed safe driving speeds, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and fines.
4. Areas with unusual speed limits
In some areas, there may be speed limits that are abnormally lower than the usual speeds in your area, such as school or work zones. Speed Limit Mode can help drivers stay within those limits and avoid costly fines.
5. Use by employees or service providers
Choose Speed Limit Mode when leaving your vehicle with others that might be tempted to test Tesla’s powerful acceleration and top speeds e.g. employees, car wash detailers, or other vehicle service providers.
Speed Limit Mode can be a useful safety feature in situations where you want to limit your Tesla’s top speed to reduce the risk of accidents, damage, or fines.
How Do I Turn On Tesla Speed Limit Mode?
Activate Speed Limit Mode using your vehicle’s touchscreen or the Tesla mobile app.
Important: The top speed must be selected before turning on Speed Limit Mode.
1. Turn On Speed Limit Mode Using the Touchscreen
Ensure the vehicle is in Park.
- Tap Controls > Safety
- Use arrows to select maximum speed between 50-120 mph (80-193 kph)
- Select Speed Limit Mode ‘On’
- Enter a 4 digit PIN
2. Turn On Speed Limit Mode Using the Tesla Mobile App
Ensure the vehicle is in Park.
- Tap Security & Drivers
- Tap on the three dots next to Speed Limit Mode
- Use the arrows to select your desired top speed between 50-120 mph (80-193 kph)
- Close the Adjust Speed Limit pop-up by tapping near the top of the screen
- Select Speed Limit Mode ‘On’
- Enter a 4 digit PIN
How Do You Turn Off Speed Limit Mode?
Turn off Speed Limit Mode using your touchscreen or Tesla mobile app:
1. Turn Off Speed Limit Mode Using the Touchscreen
Ensure the vehicle is in Park.
- Tap Security & Drivers
- Tap off Speed Limit Mode
- Enter your 4 digit PIN
2. Turn Off Speed Limit Mode Using the Tesla App
Ensure the vehicle is in Park.
- Tap Security & Drivers
- Tap off Speed Limit Mode
- Enter your 4 digit PIN
How Do I Change the Maximum Speed on Speed Limit Mode?
We recommend choosing the top speed carefully at the start! Here’s why:
If you want to change the maximum speed once you’ve already selected Speed Limit Mode, you’ll need to:
- Park the vehicle
- Turn off Speed Limit Mode
- Select a new speed
- Turn Speed Limit Mode on again.
Can Temporary Drivers Disable Speed Limit Mode?
When you loan your vehicle to a temporary driver, they will not be able to disable Speed Limit Mode, once you’ve enabled it. If the temporary driver wants to disable the Speed Limit Mode, they must have access to your PIN.
Resetting (power cycling) the vehicle will not disable Speed Limit Mode.
It’s important to remember that Speed Limit Mode is a safety feature designed to help prevent accidental injuries and damage that may be more likely with new or inexperienced drivers. Disabling this feature should be done with caution and only by the authorized owner or delegate.
Does Speed Limit Mode Turn Off on its Own?
Tesla’s Speed Limit Mode will not turn off on its own. Your PIN is required to turn on and off Speed Limit Mode. Once you enable it using your secure PIN, it will remain active until you turn it off.
Which Teslas Have Speed Limit Mode?
All Tesla vehicles are equipped with Speed Limit Mode.
Does Tesla’s Touchscreen Notify the Temporary Driver When Speed Limit Mode is Activated?
The touchscreen will notify temporary drivers that the vehicle is in Speed Limit Mode. This warning, displayed above the music card, shows the vehicle’s maximum allowable speed.
FAQ
What do I do if I forgot my PIN number for my Tesla?
If you forget the PIN you originally set up to use for features like Valet Mode, reset it from inside the vehicle by entering your Tesla Account credentials (which also cancels Valet Mode). Alternatively, you can reset your PIN using the Tesla mobile app.
How is Speed Limit Mode different from Valet Mode?
Speed Limit Mode allows owners to limit their vehicle’s acceleration and top speeds to between 50-120 mph. When Valet Mode is enabled, the maximum speed is automatically set to 70 mph and additional features are disabled such as access to personal information, purchasing, Autopilot and access to glovebox.
Read more about Valet Mode.
Can I set the top speed in Valet Mode or only in Speed Limit Mode?
You cannot raise the top speed in Valet Mode above 70 mph. Valet Mode automatically restricts the vehicle’s top speed to 70 mph.
If you wish to lower the top speed of Valet Mode, turn on Valet Mode, then activate Speed Limit Mode and set the top speed to between 50-70 mph.
When using Speed Limit Mode (without Valet Mode), owners can adjust the top speed between 50-120 mph.
Can Speed Limit Mode be activated remotely or only from the car’s touchscreen?
Speed Limit Mode can be activated or deactivated from either the vehicle’s touchscreen or the Tesla mobile app. In both cases, the vehicle must be in Park and the owner will require a PIN.
Is there a way to set a different speed limit for different drivers using the same car?
Tesla’s Speed Limit Mode does not allow owners to set a different speed limit for different drivers using the same vehicle. The speed limit is set for the entire vehicle, and it will apply to all drivers who use the car regardless of Driver Profile settings.
Does Tesla’s Speed Limit Mode affect the acceleration of the car?
Tesla’s Speed Limit Mode limits the vehicle’s top speed as well as the rate of acceleration. When Speed Limit Mode is active, the vehicle is automatically placed in Chill Mode to slow down acceleration and prevent the driver from using the vehicle’s full power to ‘blast off’.
This can be a useful safety feature, especially for parents who want to help teenaged or inexperienced drivers avoid accidental injuries, damage and fines.
Can Tesla’s Speed Limit Mode help to reduce energy consumption and increase driving range?
Tesla’s Speed Limit Mode can help to reduce energy consumption and increase driving range by limiting the car’s speed and acceleration. Higher speeds require more energy so reducing speed can help to conserve battery power and increase the vehicle’s range.
Additionally, slower speeds can help to reduce wear and tear on the car’s components, potentially increasing the car’s lifespan and reducing the need for maintenance.
Does Tesla Model Y have a speed limiter?
Tesla Model Y has a speed limiter called Speed Limit Mode. This enables owners to restrict the vehicle’s maximum speed to between 50-120 mph (80-193 kph). It also limits acceleration by placing the vehicle in Chill Mode. This feature is helpful when handing over your vehicle to young or inexperienced drivers.
Is Speed Limit Mode the same as Speed Assist?
Tesla’s Speed Limit Mode is different from Speed Assist. Speed Limit Mode is a safety feature that allows owners to restrict the vehicle’s top speed to between 50-120 mph (80-193 km/h). It also places the vehicle in Chill Mode to slow acceleration. Speed Assist is a touchscreen notification that displays a warning to drivers when they have exceeded the posted or arbitrarily selected speed limit.
