If you’re shopping for a new or used Honda, you might be wondering: does Accord have speed limiter? It’s a common question for drivers who want a bit more control or safety on the highway. The answer is yes, but it depends on the model year and trim level. Modern Honda Accords, especially from 2018 onward, often include an Intelligent Speed Limiter as part of the Honda Sensing® suite of safety features. Let’s look at how it works and how you can use it.
Does Accord Has Speed Limiter
First, it’s important to clarify what we mean. A “speed limiter” in the Honda Accord isn’t a hard cap that prevents you from going over a certain speed no matter what. Instead, it’s a driver-assist feature you can set and control. When activated, it helps prevent you from accidentally exceeding a speed limit you’ve selected. You can still override it by pressing the accelerator firmly if you need to, for example, to pass another vehicle quickly.
This feature is formally called the Intelligent Speed Limiter, and it’s often paired with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). It uses a camera to read roadside speed limit signs and can automatically suggest adjusting your set speed. You have the final say, but it’s a helpful tool for maintaining legal speeds.
Which Honda Accord Models Have the Speed Limiter?
Not every Accord on the road has this technology. Here’s a quick breakdown:
* 2018-2022 Models (10th Generation): The Intelligent Speed Limiter became available on higher trims (EX and above) as a standard part of the Honda Sensing® package. It was not typically available on the base LX trim.
* 2023-Present Models (11th Generation): The feature continues on most trims, again as part of the standard Honda Sensing® suite. Always check the specific window sticker or owner’s manual for the individual vehicle.
* Pre-2018 Models: Earlier Accords do not have this electronic Intelligent Speed Limiter. Some models may have had a simple programmable speed alert chime, but not an active limiter that interacts with the throttle.
How to Use the Accord’s Intelligent Speed Limiter
Using the speed limiter is straightforward once you know the steps. Here’s a typical process for models that have it:
1. Activate Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Press the MAIN button on your steering wheel. You’ll see the ACC and LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist) symbols appear in your instrument cluster, usually in white or green.
2. Set Your Desired Speed. Drive to the speed you want to limit yourself to (e.g., 65 mph). Press the SET/- button. Your set speed will be displayed.
3. Engage the Speed Limiter. Now, press and hold the INTERVAL button (the one that adjusts following distance) for about two seconds. You should see a new icon—a car with a speedometer and the word “LIM”—appear on your dashboard.
4. Adjust the Limit. You can now use the RES/+ or SET/- buttons to increase or decrease your speed limit setting in 1 mph increments.
5. To Temporarily Override. Simply press the accelerator pedal as you normally would. The LIM icon will flash. When you release the pedal, the car will return to your set limited speed.
6. To Cancel. You can press the CANCEL button, or simply press and hold the INTERVAL button again for two seconds. Turning off ACC also turns off the limiter.
Remember, the system relies on camera recognition of speed signs. In areas with poor signage or frequent changes, you may need to adjust it manually. It’s a tool to assist you, not replace your attention.
Difference Between Speed Limiter and Adaptive Cruise Control
People often confuse these two features because they use the same buttons. Here’s the simple difference:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This is an active system. It maintains the set speed for you using the throttle and brakes, and it will also slow down if it detects a slower car ahead, maintaining a following distance you choose.
Intelligent Speed Limiter: This is a passive system. It does not control your speed for you. You still have to press the accelerator to maintain speed. However, it prevents you from accelerating past the set limit (unless you override it). It can work independently of the car-following function.
You can think of ACC as an autopilot for speed, while the limiter is like a guardrail that keeps you from going to fast.
Benefits of Using the Speed Limiter in Your Accord
Why bother using this feature? It offers several practical advantages:
* Helps Avoid Speeding Tickets. It’s an excellent safeguard against accidentally creeping over the speed limit, especially on long, open highway drives.
* Improves Fuel Efficiency. Maintaining a steady, legal speed is one of the best ways to maximize your Accord’s excellent gas mileage.
* Reduces Driver Fatigue. You spend less mental energy constantly checking your speedometer and can focus more on the overall road situation.
* Promotes Safer Driving Habits. It encourages a consistent speed, which can make you a more predictable driver to others around you.
* Great for Variable Speed Zones. In areas where the limit changes frequently (like road work zones), the system can prompt you to lower your limit, adding an extra layer of safety.
Limitations and Important Considerations
No system is perfect, and it’s crucial to understand the limiter’s boundaries.
* It’s a Driver-Assist Feature. The driver is always responsible for the vehicle’s safe operation. You must pay attention to road conditions, signs, and traffic.
* Override is Easy. A firm press on the gas pedal will always override the limiter. This is by design for safety but means it’s not a “hard” limit.
* Camera Dependency. The system may misread a speed sign, fail to see a sign, or not recognize a temporary construction sign. Don’t rely on it blindly.
* Not on All Trims. As mentioned, base models often lack this feature. Always verify it’s present if it’s important to you.
* Weather Can Affect It. Heavy rain, fog, or snow can obscure the camera’s view, limiting the system’s functionality.
If your LIM icon is flashing or you can’t get the system to engage, consulting your owner’s manual is the best first step. Sometimes a simple restart of the car can reset minor electronic glitches.
What If My Older Accord Doesn’t Have This Feature?
If you drive an Accord from before 2018, your car won’t have the built-in Intelligent Speed Limiter. However, you still have options:
* Speed Alert Chime. Many older models have a setting where you can program a speed alert. When you exceed a set speed, a chime will sound. You can usually set this through the driver information display on your dashboard. It doesn’t limit the speed, but it gives you an audible warning.
* Aftermarket Solutions. You can install an aftermarket speed limiter or governor. These devices are often used by fleet companies to manage vehicle speeds. Have one installed by a reputable professional to ensure it doesn’t interfere with other vehicle electronics.
* Cruise Control. Your standard, non-adaptive cruise control is still a fantastic tool for maintaining a set speed on the highway and avoiding unintentional speeding.
Checking and Adjusting Settings in Your Accord
You can customize some aspects of the driver-assist systems. To access these settings:
1. Press the HOME button on your infotainment screen (or the ‘i’ button on your steering wheel on some models).
2. Navigate to Settings.
3. Go to Vehicle Settings.
4. Select Driver Assist System Setup.
Here, you might find options to adjust the sensitivity of the speed sign recognition or turn certain alerts on or off. The exact menu names can vary slightly by model year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I set the speed limiter to any speed I want?
Yes, within the vehicle’s physical capabilities. You can typically set it from about 20 mph upwards. The system is designed for highway and road use, not for very low-speed situations.
What happens if I go down a steep hill with the limiter on?
The Intelligent Speed Limiter controls the throttle, not the brakes. On a steep decline, gravity may cause the car to exceed the set limit. You will need to apply the brakes yourself to maintain your speed, just as you would normally.
Is there a way to permanently set a maximum speed?
No, there is no factory setting for a permanent, unchangeable maximum speed in consumer Honda Accords. The limiter must be activated each time you start the car and intend to use it. Some aftermarket devices can provide this function.
Does the speed limiter work in the city?
It can, but it may be less practical. With frequent stops, starts, and speed changes, you might find yourself overriding it constantly. It’s most useful on roads with consistent speed limits.
My Accord has a “LIM” button near the shifter. Is that the same thing?
Some models, like certain Acuras or other brands, have a physical LIM button. In the Honda Accord, the speed limiter function is almost always controlled through the steering wheel buttons, not a separate shifter button. Refer to your manual.
Can I use the speed limiter without Adaptive Cruise Control?
In most Honda Accords, the speed limiter function is integrated with the ACC system and uses the same controls. While you might not need to have ACC actively following a car, you usually need to have the ACC system in a ready state to activate the limiter mode.
Will using the speed limiter wear out my engine or transmission faster?
No, not at all. In fact, by encouraging smoother, more consistent driving, it may reduce overall wear and tear compared to aggressive speeding up and slowing down.
In summary, the answer to “does Accord have speed limiter” is a qualified yes for newer models. It’s a smart, helpful feature designed to make your drive safer and more efficient. It’s not a substitute for attentive driving, but it’s a valuable tool in the modern driver’s toolkit. To see if your specific Accord has it, the best resources are your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the dashboard icons when you press the steering wheel controls. Taking a few minutes to learn how it works can really pay off on your next long trip.