How fast is too fast? States revisit speed limits

Speed limits are a common issue at statehouses. The coming year is shaping up to be no exception.

The national speed limit was repealed in 1995. Since then, states have been responsible for setting their own speeds.

Some states once set lower speed limits for large trucks than for cars. Over the past 20 years, many states have reduced or eliminated those differences.

Montana and North Dakota approved speed changes last year. Arizona and Missouri are two states that will discuss the issue this year.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association says roads are safest when all vehicles travel at the same speed. OOIDA does not support a specific speed limit.

Arizona

An Arizona bill would allow speed limits to vary by time of day.

Currently, all drivers can travel up to 75 mph on rural interstates in Arizona. Most other highways are limited to 65 mph.

Rep. Nick Kupper, R-Surprise, has introduced a bill that would free up many drivers to exceed 80 mph in some areas.

Called the Reasonable and Prudent Interstate Driving Act, HB2059 would let non-commercial drivers travel at least 80 mph in designated rural zones during daylight hours. From sunset to sunrise, the speed limit would be set at 80 mph.

Commercial vehicles would be capped at 80 mph at all times.

The bill would start with a one-year pilot program on a segment of Interstate 8. The stretch of roadway runs between Casa Grande and Yuma.

“Most drivers can tell the difference between a crowded city freeway and a wide-open stretch of rural interstate,” Kupper said. “The RAPID Act accounts for that difference. It will let us raise speeds where it’s safe, keep tough penalties for reckless driving, and update our laws to reflect how people actually use these roads.”

A left-lane rule would be included in affected speed zones. Drivers could use the left lane only to pass another vehicle or prepare to exit.

The bill can be considered during the session that starts Jan. 12.

Missouri

A Missouri bill would raise speed limits on the state’s fastest roads.

Sen. Jamie Burger, R-Benton, sponsors SB1408. The bill would increase speed limits on rural interstates and freeways from 70 mph to 75 mph for all drivers.

Lawmakers have tried to raise speed limits several times in recent years. This is at least the fourth such attempt. None of the earlier bills passed the House or Senate.

Much like the bills before this one, Burger’s bill would give the Missouri Department of Transportation final say on any speed changes.

The bill is waiting to be assigned to a committee for the session that begins Jan. 7. LL

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