The highest speed limit in Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) for player-controlled trucks is generally 90 km/h (approximately 56 mph) due to an in-game speed limiter that simulates real-world trucking regulations.
Understanding Speed Limits in ETS2
Euro Truck Simulator 2, developed by SCS Software, prides itself on delivering a realistic trucking experience across Europe. A fundamental aspect of this realism is the implementation of speed limits, which vary by road type and country, and are also influenced by the truck's internal speed limiter.
The 90 km/h Default for Trucks
By default, every player truck in ETS2 comes equipped with a speed limiter set to 90 km/h. This mirrors the legal speed limits for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on many major roads and highways throughout Europe, including countries like France, Germany, and the UK. Even on roads where the posted speed limit for cars might be higher (e.g., 120 km/h or even no limit on some German autobahns), the truck's limiter will prevent it from exceeding 90 km/h. This ensures a consistent and realistic gameplay experience for truck drivers.
Road-Specific Speed Limits
While the 90 km/h limiter is a general cap for your truck, you will encounter various posted speed limits on roads throughout the game world. These limits are marked by road signs and reflect the local regulations for different road types. Adhering to these signs is crucial to avoid speeding fines.
Here's a general overview of typical truck speed limits encountered in ETS2:
| Road Type | Typical Speed Limit (Trucks) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City/Urban Areas | 50 km/h (31 mph) | Often lower in residential or highly populated zones. |
| Rural Roads | 80 km/h (50 mph) | Can vary, sometimes 70 km/h or 90 km/h depending on the country. |
| Motorways/Highways | 90 km/h (56 mph) | The maximum achievable speed with the default truck limiter enabled. |
It's important to remember that even if a highway has a posted limit of 120 km/h, this typically applies to cars. For trucks, the in-game limiter or specific truck regulations (even if the limiter is off) will generally keep you at or below 90 km/h without incurring penalties.
Disabling the Speed Limiter
For players who prefer a less restrictive experience or wish to test the full speed capabilities of their trucks, ETS2 offers an option to disable the speed limiter. This can be done in the game's options menu:
- Navigate to Options from the main menu.
- Go to the Gameplay tab.
- Locate the "Truck Speed Limiter" option and uncheck it.
Once disabled, your truck will be able to exceed 90 km/h, potentially reaching speeds of 120 km/h or more depending on its engine power and upgrades. However, bypassing the limiter comes with a caveat: you will still receive speeding tickets if you exceed the posted road speed limits. Driving at 120 km/h on a road with a 90 km/h limit will result in a fine, even if your truck is physically capable of that speed.
Impact on Gameplay
Speed limits are integral to the core gameplay loop of Euro Truck Simulator 2. They influence:
- Realism: They add a layer of authenticity to the simulation, replicating the challenges and regulations faced by real truckers.
- Fines: Exceeding the posted speed limits (regardless of whether your truck's limiter is on or off) will result in monetary fines, impacting your in-game economy.
- Trip Planning: Understanding speed limits helps in accurately estimating delivery times and planning your routes efficiently.
- Driving Style: It encourages a more responsible and patient driving style, as opposed to simply flooring it everywhere.
In summary, while road signs in ETS2 might display higher speed limits for other vehicle types, the highest practical and intended speed limit for player-controlled trucks, especially with the default settings, is 90 km/h.
