The Montana House is holding a hearing today on a bill setting new speed limits.

As a result of the Montana Supreme Court’s decision declaring the state’s “reasonable and prudent” daytime speed limit unconstitutionally vague, setting a numeric speed limit is on the fast track in the state’s legislature. Even though the high court’s decision did not affect truck speed limits, truckers have taken the opportunity to lobby for uniform speed limits.
The state Senate earlier this week passed a bill that would establish a day-and-night speed limit of 75 mph for all vehicles on interstate highways. The limit would be 65 mph near larger urban areas, such as Billings, Great Falls and Missoula.
On other roads, the speed limit for cars would be 70 mph during the day and 65 mph at night. Limits for trucks would be 60 mph and 55 mph, respectively.
The House Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on the bill on Friday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m.
If you are a Montana resident and are interested in contacting your state representatives about this bill, the general information number for the Montana Legislature is (406) 444-3064, fax (406) 444-3036.