Bill eliminating lower speed limits for CMVs in Idaho advances through Senate committee

A bill that would eliminate lower speed limits for commercial vehicles in Idaho advanced through the Senate Committee last week.

The bill ridding the state of differential speed limits, House Bill 664, would allow trucks to travel at the same speeds as passenger cars on Idaho roadways. The bill moved ahead in the state Senate Committee on March 12th. 

“I’ve seen so many close calls. I’ve also seen pileups that have happened because there’s that massive differential in speed,” said Sen. Josh Kohl, R-Twin Falls.

“So this doesn’t presume that we will totally eliminate speed limit differentials. It just eliminates the mandate… thereby allowing some that can to travel the speed limit whatever it may be… and then that way we can have more synchronous flow of traffic,” said Rep. Pickett, R-Oakley, who sponsored the bill.

Studies referenced within the committee show varied results when it comes to split speed limits versus uniform speed limits. Some data shows that one uniform speed limit reduces the number of passing crashes, while others show that there is essentially no difference in crash rates. Supporters of the bill say uniform speed limits may reduce traffic backups, reported KTVB7.

“I’ve heard a lot of concerns about safety, of allowing them to potentially go up to 75 miles an hour in some of these areas,” said Sen. Alison Rabe, D-Boise, who opposes the bill. 

Those discussing the bill have also pointed out that trucks with speed limiters will still travel between 65 and 70 mph, and that semi truck in Idaho may weigh as much as 129,000 pounds. 

The bill will now move to the full Idaho Senate for a final decision.