Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

States Looking At Higher Speed Limits

Following a bold move by Texas last year authorizing speed limits as high as 85 mph along certain roads, more states are jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to puttin’ the hammer down.

Evan Lockridge
Evan LockridgeFormer Business Contributing Editor
February 7, 2013
2 min to read


Following a bold move by Texas last year authorizing speed limits as high as 85 mph along certain roads, more states are jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to puttin’ the hammer down – and none contain moves to gives four-wheelers the upper-hand.

A bill has cleared the Mississippi House that would increase the state’s top speed limit along controlled access routes from 70 to 75 mph, except along the busiest areas. It now awaits consideration in the Senate.

Ad Loading...

If it is signed into law by Gov. Phil Bryant, the state Transportation Department would still have the final word on which sections of highway would qualify for the higher speed limit.

Supporters of the legislation note more than a dozen states have speed limits of 75 mph, while opponents are concerned about the safety affect of a hike and the cost of implementing the changes that includes new road signs.

In Maryland, state lawmakers are considering a proposal that would increase Interstate speed limits from 65 to 70 mph, while there are separate bills to increase the speed limit along the near 19-mile Intercounty Connector, linking I-370 and I-95, from the current 55 to 60 mph to as much as 70 mph. Supporters say the speed limit along the ICC is “artificially low.” The ICC announced earlier this week the speed limit on the connector will already move from 55 to 60 on March 31.

Ad Loading...

Wyoming’s legislature is looking at a measure that would hike speed limits by 5 mphalong certain routes to 70 mph. If it passes and is signed into law the state DOT would have the final say on the hikes.

Finally, in Utah the House has approved legislation introduced earlier that would increase the speed limit to 80 mph along parts of Interstates 15, 80 and 84. It now moves to the Senate for consideration. While the Beehive State does have a few areas where 80 mph is allowed, most interstate speed limits there are 75 mph in rural area and 65 in urban areas.

More Fleet Management

TEN disaster prep.
Fleet ManagementMay 1, 2026

How Fleets Can Avoid Equipment Blind Spots in Disaster Response

When the unexpected happens, how you react to, and deal with operational blind spots is critical. Here’s how to keep you recovery on track, when nothing is normal.

Read More →
Illustration of cybersecurity images with "The Cyber Stop" text
Fleet Managementby Ben WilkensApril 30, 2026

AI Security Risks for Trucking Fleets: What to Know About Deepfakes and Agentic AI

As fleets adopt artificial intelligence for routing, maintenance, and load matching, new security risks are emerging. Learn where the vulnerabilities are and how to put the right controls in place.

Read More →
Mobile tablet showing Motus screen against highway background with Motus logo

FMCSA’s Motus System Is Coming. What Fleets Need to Know Now

The long-awaited registration system promises a single portal — and tighter fraud controls.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
CargoNet 2026 Qi report.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 24, 2026

Cargo Theft Incidents Fall in Q1, but Organized Crime and Impersonation Drive New Risks

CargoNet reports fewer supply chain crime events to start 2026. But losses hold steady as organized crime shifts tactics toward impersonation schemes and high-value goods.

Read More →
Graphic with light bulbs, HDT Truck Fleet Innovators logo, and the word Nominations
Fleet ManagementApril 24, 2026

Nominations Open for HDT Truck Fleet Innovators 2026

Heavy Duty Trucking is searching for forward-looking leaders at trucking fleets as nominations for HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators 2026. Deadline is May 15.

Read More →
Illustration with trojan horse and lock with inside of cargo container in background
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 23, 2026

New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems

Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ATA Truck Tonnage Index March 2026.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 22, 2026

March Truck Tonnage Posts Strongest Annual Gain Since 2022

A modest sequential increase capped the strongest quarterly performance in years, signaling continued freight momentum in early 2026.

Read More →
Toll road.
Fleet Managementby Jack RobertsApril 22, 2026

Ohio Turnpike Targets $5.2 Million in Unpaid Tolls from Trucking Firms

More than 300 carriers across 26 states have been sent to collections as the Ohio Turnpike cracks down on toll evasion and delinquent payments.

Read More →
Illustration with ATRI logo and square blocks spelling out "research"
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeApril 20, 2026

'Beyond Compliance,' Regulations, Driver Coaching on ATRI’s 2026 Research List

The American Transportation Research Institute will examine driver coaching, regulatory impacts — including the "Beyond Compliance" concept —and weather disruptions that shape trucking operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Brian Antonellis, senior vice president, fleet operations, Fleet Advantage.
Fleet Managementby Jack RobertsApril 17, 2026

Fleet Advantage's Brian Antonellis on the Growing Need to Replace Old Trucks

Fleet Advantage's Brian Antonellis says it's time for fleets to get back to the fundamentals of good maintenance practices. And that includes replacing older, inefficient equipment.

Read More →