Changes to the speed limit allowed on multilane highways could soon affect another state in North America. The updated bill was finally accepted by the state government and signed into law last week after two attempts.
In line with the changes made for the other two neighboring states, which also increased the speed allowed on their roads, the new limit on interstate highways will be 80 mph after August 1st.
Even though the locals welcomed the changes, there were concerns because the same day would see an increase in the fines for speeding.
Consider joining another state that is getting ready to increase the speed limit on its roads.
The speed limit on interstate highways has long been a source of concern for the governments of several US states because there is no federal regulation governing it.
Since speeding and aggressive driving are responsible for a significant portion of auto accidents that result in fatal injuries, these changes have emerged as a legitimate area of discussion between the general public and decision-makers.
After two attempts to enact the new law, another North American state that shares the same concerns as two of its three neighbors is about to permit authorized speeds of 80 mph on its multilane highway.
The speed limit changes will go into effect on August 1st, according to the new law, which was signed into law last week. Given the concerns about aggressive driving, it is also expected that the penalties for speeding on highways will increase.
The most recent state to increase the speed limit on its interstate highways to 80 mph was North Dakota. With the exception of one unique state, the speed limit on highways in the majority of the United States normally falls between 55 and 80 mph.
The decision is consistent with changes made by South Dakota and Montana, two nearby states that have already implemented an 80 mph speed limit. The third neighboring state, Minnesota, has a 70 mph speed limit on interstate and rural roads.
Some are concerned that the changes will lead to more fatal collisions
Despite the skepticism, the new law issued by Governor Kelly Armstrong on May 5th was overwhelmingly approved and became part of the North Dakota Legislature’s HB 1298.
Some argue that the increase is a reflection of the previous maximum limit, which was 75 mph, but the driver says it is a way to keep up with the speed that most cars are already traveling.
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If we do an analysis, though, it may reveal a thorough review of nearby states that have already implemented the hike in previous years.
Penalties for going over the speed limit should be increased as a preventative measure
Along with other changes to North Dakota’s speed limit, the new law governs a number of modifications to the penalty for speeding on highways.
Drivers found speeding on highways with speed limits of 65 mph or more will be fined $20 or $5 per mile per hour (mph) over the posted limit.
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On other roads, it will vary from $3 to $20 per mph. Additionally, there is a $20 fee for drivers who go over the speed limit by 16 mph or more.
According to the government, it was a reasonable solution
According to a statement issued by Governor Kelly Armstrong, the changes, which go into effect on August 1st, are a way to keep North Dakota in line with its neighbors.
“By raising fines to discourage speeding and bringing North Dakota’s interstate speed limit into line with two of our three neighboring states, this bill strikes a reasonable balance.”
However, another US state recently submitted a new bill to lower the speed limit on US interstate highways to 50 mph.
