Lawmakers authorize 80 mph interstate limit and revise speeding fines; officials say enforcement will continue around current practice
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Summary
An omnibus transportation bill set an 80 mph cap on certain interstates and restructured speeding fines; lawmakers said fines were increased and enforcement tools simplified, but enforcement practices will likely target speeds slightly above the new limit.
The legislature authorized an 80‑mile‑per‑hour speed limit on portions of the interstate and adjusted the state's speeding fine tables, forum participants said.
Speakers said lawmakers combined several traffic changes into a single bill that raised fines and moved to a speed‑based fine schedule that is uniform across road types. "We did change, the fines. So they were increased now for speeding," a legislator at the forum said, adding the change simplifies enforcement by basing fines on the number of miles per hour over the posted limit rather than on road classification.
Forum participants described enforcement expectations: several legislators suggested drivers should expect enforcement activity when traveling a small number of miles per hour above the posted limit under the new framework. "With that 80, expect to be pulled over at 82, 83 even at this point," one speaker said, describing law enforcement comments that roadside discretion will determine enforcement thresholds.
A local attendee expressed concern that statutorily low fines (historically) did little to deter high speeds; legislators responded that the fine increases were designed to provide law enforcement meaningful penalties that reflect higher interstate speeds.
Ending
Officials said the law clarifies fines and makes statewide enforcement more uniform; local officials and drivers should expect guidance from law‑enforcement agencies as the new limit is implemented.