Senate passes bill raising speed limit on I-94 and I-29 to 80 mph

The North Dakota Senate convened on May 2, 2025, to discuss several key legislative issues, with a significant focus on a proposed increase in the speed limit on Interstate 94 and Interstate 29 from 75 miles per hour to 80 miles per hour. The bill, known as House Bill 1298, has sparked a heated debate among senators regarding its potential impact on public safety.

Senator Dwyer voiced strong opposition to the proposed increase, arguing that raising the speed limit could lead to more dangerous driving conditions. He expressed concerns that drivers would likely exceed the new limit, potentially driving at speeds of 85 miles per hour or more. Dwyer emphasized the importance of slowing down and fostering communication within families, suggesting that the rush to increase speed limits reflects broader societal issues.

In response to questions about the bill's provisions, Senator Rummel explained that the fines for speeding over the new limit were negotiated down to $20, following discussions in the conference committee. This adjustment was made to balance safety concerns with legislative feasibility.

Additionally, Senator Beard raised inquiries about sections of the bill that allow for temporary speed limit adjustments in response to unsafe conditions, such as adverse weather. The specifics of how these variable speed limits would be implemented remain a point of discussion among lawmakers.

The outcome of the vote on House Bill 1298 will determine whether North Dakota will adopt the higher speed limit, reflecting ongoing debates about road safety and legislative priorities in the state.