Disclosed is an apparatus for a barrier gate designed to control vehicular travel through a passageway. The invention disclosed employs a barrier arm, a housing, a motor and transmission, a rotary encoder, and a torque limiter assembly. The torque limiter assembly comprises a hub, spindle, brake disk, rotor, and a gland nut. The torque limiter assembly is mounted to the motor and transmission as well as connected to the barrier arm. The torque limiter assembly provides sufficient friction to rotate the barrier arm and also protects the internal gears and linkages of the transmission and motor from costly repair / replacement by preventing any unwanted rotation. In the event an outside force rotates the barrier arm, the rotary encoder in cooperation with a controller instantly recognizes the position of the barrier arm and further acts as a limit switch to send a signal to the motor to stop when the barrier arm is in place.