Nine states consider increasing speed limits

Lawmakers in several states have recently introduced or passed legislation to get rid of speed differentials or to increase speed limits for all drivers.

The new year brings with it a new legislative session, and many lawmakers seem to have speed on their minds. In these nine states, speed differentials and speed limits could be changing in the near future.

Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently announced that they will be increasing speed limits from 55 m.p.h. to 60 m.p.h. on more than 5000 miles of state highways for both cars and trucks.

This change will go into effect as soon as new speed limit signs are put in place, which is expected to occur in the spring of 2019, according to Fox 9.

Iowa

A newly introduced bill would increase speed limits on Iowa interstates from 70 m.p.h. to 75 m.p.h. for both passenger and commercial vehicles. You can click here to view bill SF 26.

California

Currently, California has a major speed differential for trucks. While speed limits in many areas are set for passenger vehicles at 65 or 70 m.p.h., commercial vehicle speed limits are set at 55 m.p.h. However, a new bill brought forward by Assemblyman Randy Voepel would increase the speed limit for trucks to 65 m.p.h. in rural areas.

You can click here for more on AB172.

Indiana

A lawmaker in Indiana are also considering eliminating the speed differentials that currently keep trucks over 26,000 pounds at 65 m.p.h. while cars are allowed to travel at 70 m.p.h.

The introduction of is the third legislative attempt by Rep. Mike Aylesworth to eliminate speed differentials. You can click here to follow HB 1092, which has been referred to the House Roads and Transportation Committee.

Missouri

A newly introduced bill would raise maximum speed limit on rural interstates and freeways of the state from 70 to 75 m.p.h. for both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. For more on HB295, you can click here.

North Dakota

North Dakota lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would increase speed limits for both cars and trucks. The bill, known as HB1264, would increase the speed limit on highways to 75 m.p.h. and on the interstate to 80 m.p.h.

Oklahoma

Lawmakers in Oklahoma are considering legislation that would increase speed limits for all vehicles on the Oklahoma Turnpike from 75 m.p.h. to 80 m.p.h.

Oregon

A newly proposed bill would allow transportation officials in Portland to choose speed limits for the city’s roadways rather than allowing the Oregon Department of Transportation to set those speeds. For more on HB2702, click here.