In Estonia, the mandatory introduction of sound speed limiters in new cars has become a reality, as nearly 20,000 vehicles currently on the roads signal their drivers when speed limits are exceeded. Since the summer of 2024, all newly produced vehicles are required to inform drivers audibly when they are exceeding the speed limit, a measure stemming from a European Union directive aimed at enhancing road safety. However, the precise means by which these alerts are conveyed remains ambiguous, leading to concerns about their effectiveness and potential nuisances.

The regulation suggests that alerts must be unmistakable to drivers, yet the implementation varies significantly—ranging from potential visual indicators on dashboards to haptic feedback, or simply audible signals. Gerli Helene Gritsenko, a lawyer from Sorainen, points out the uncertainty surrounding the practical application of the regulation. This variability could lead to some alerts being excessively loud, while others might be too quiet to be heard over traffic noise, raising questions about how effectively they will serve their purpose of increasing road safety.

Auto dealers have also recognized an opportunity to leverage the characteristics of these sound limiters as a selling point. The volume of the alert sound and the ease of disabling it could influence consumer preference and marketability. This new measure reflects a broader trend within the European Union to escalate efforts towards safer driving environments, yet its implementation details may require further refinement to ensure that the objective of enhancing safety is genuinely achieved without compromising user experience or creating new distractions.