Disclosed herein is a capacitor discharge ignition system with speed-limiting capability, which system comprises a charge capacitor, a coil, a magnet rotatable relative to the coil for generating alternating potential in the coil, a rectifier connected between the coil and capacitor for rectifying the alternating potential to a potential of one polarity and for applying the potential of one polarity ot charge the capacitor, a first switch connected to the capacitor for discharging the capacitor to generate a spark in response to the application of a first trigger signal, a second switch connected to the capacitor for preventing charging of the capacitor in response to the application of a second trigger signal above a predetermined potential, and a signal generating circuit connected to the second switch and operative to generate the second trigger signal in response to rotation above a predetermined speed of the magnet, which second signal generating circuit includes a transformer connected to the coil.