Speed Limit Raised

New Speed Limit Law

Alright, here’s some interesting news that might get attention at the next family dinner. North Dakota has decided to raise the speed limits on its interstate highways. The governor, Kelly Armstrong, signed off on this change, bumping the limit from 75 to 80 miles per hour starting August 1. It’s got folks talking, particularly since the last time the speed limit changed was back in, well, I don’t even recall.

This shift comes after some debate among lawmakers. There were concerns about potential rises in crashes, but North Dakota’s Department of Transportation and local law enforcement seemed comfortable with it. Their rationale? Neighbors like Montana and South Dakota already have that 80 mph cap. A look at South Dakota shows no significant uptick in accidents since making a similar switch back in 2015. Makes one think maybe North Dakota drivers wouldn’t suddenly start playing Fast & Furious just because of an added 5 mph.

Fines Make Sense

There’s a catch, though. Along with the increased limits, speeding fines are getting a bump too. Those barreling down highways with 65 mph or higher limits will face fines of $20 or $5 per mile over the limit—whichever is steeper. For roads with lower limits, it drops to $3 per mile over the limit.

Oh, and don’t even think about speeding in school or construction zones. Those fines are basically double. Speeding in a construction zone with folks working? That’ll hit your wallet for $150, up from $80. Another neat feature they’re adding is variable speed limit signs, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see changes based on traffic conditions or weather.

Governor Armstrong sees this as a fair play—keeping up with the Joneses, or in this case, the Montanas and South Dakotas next door. It’s meant to balance a safer driving environment with a bit more freedom on those long stretches of highway.

What’s Next?

With this move, North Dakota joins seven other states where it’s legally cool to hit 80 mph on certain roads. Another step in accommodating those long, empty roads that go on for miles. Definitely not city-driving here; it’s open-country cruising.

But what really sticks is the thought of driving at 80. It’s a different feel—a mix of smooth and fast that modern cars handle with ease, given their advancements. It’s like comparing driving a big comfy boat of a car in the 70s to these tech-packed machines today.

The question hanging in the air? How soon till we see more states follow suit, maybe even revisiting how speed is perceived entirely? In the world of autonomous cars and traffic management systems, speed limits might be doing more adjusting in the near future. Until then, drivers in North Dakota better enjoy those open stretches of road responsibly.