The European Union and the United Kingdom are moving to require all cars and trucks to have speed limiting technology by 2022.
The safety feature was one of several included in a provisional agreement announced Wednesday by the EU's executive commission.
The package would force vehicles to have so-called intelligent speed assistance, which recognizes speed limits using mapping systems and help drivers observe them by restricting engine power. The driver can override the system by pushing harder on the gas pedal. Earlier versions of the measure envisioned a system that could not be overridden, but that was changed.
The European Commission, the executive arm of the 28-country EU, said that the features would be required on all vehicles on European roads from 2022.
Other safety features in the agreement include systems to warn drivers if they seem drowsy and against distractions such as smartphone use. Cameras and sensors would be required to avoid accidents while backing up and to help keep a car in a lane. For cars and vans, the deal requires advanced emergency braking, which can detect obstacles and push the brake pedal if the driver does not responds in time.
The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association welcomed the EU's agreement but said vehicle technology needed to be supplemented with better road infrastructure and measures to encourage safer driver behaviour.
The measures announced Wednesday were agreed on in negotiations between European national governments, the commission, and the European parliament.
The provision political agreement is subject to formal approval by the European parliament and EU leaders this September.
With files from the Associated Press