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Utah House approves measure allowing higher rural interstate speeds after heated debate
Summary
The Utah House passed HB29 to allow higher speed limits on some interstates and give UDOT flexibility to set non-numeric limits in rural counties; the measure passed 66–7 after opponents raised safety, enforcement and roadway‑condition concerns.
The Utah House on the tenth day of its centennial session approved House Bill 29, a measure that changes how the state sets speed limits on certain interstates and would allow speed limits up to, but not exceeding, 75 miles per hour in designated areas.
Representative Wadhams, who reopened debate on the bill, described its intent: "This is the bill that brings the state speed limit from 65 ... and allows them to ... to raise it up to, but not exceeding 75," and said the bill primarily targets rural counties and highways built to interstate standards.
Supporters told colleagues the change recognizes differences between low‑traffic rural interstates and congested urban corridors. Representative Hickman, offering the first substitute, said the measure "is designed to allow the highway speeds in rural counties ... to be placed on a non numeric limit" for stretches of I‑15, I‑80 and I‑70 in rural counties, while preserving the Department of Transportation's ability to set numeric limits where road or weather conditions require them.
Opponents argued the bill raises public‑safety risks. Representative Noah Stevens said many constituents opposed an unlimited or higher limit, noting concerns about inexperienced drivers and teenage behavior. Representative Carl described personal reports from drivers in states with no numeric limits and urged caution. Representative Cheryl Allen said she spoke with highway patrol officers who recommended against implementation, stating it would "make for much more unsafe conditions on the interstate." Representative Atkinson and others also cited crash statistics and warned of increased fatalities tied to speed and alcohol.
Members pressed the sponsor on road‑maintenance and enforcement safeguards. The sponsor and other supporters said UDOT would retain authority to set numeric limits when deterioration, geometry or safety concerns require them.
A previous‑question motion and final vote followed extended debate. Voting closed with House Bill 29 receiving 66 yes votes and 7 no votes; the bill passed the House and was reported to the Senate for consideration.
What happens next: the bill will be forwarded to the Senate for its consideration; members and staff noted potential follow‑up with UDOT on implementation details and whether urban stretches along the Wasatch Front would be treated differently.
