Wyoming will soon join an elite club of states with speed limits of 80 mph or greater.

Gov. Matt Mead signed legislation earlier this month allowing the state’s top speed limit to move from 75 mph to 80 mph along Interstate routes.

First, the state Transportation Department has to study which sections may be able to handle the higher limit, but that won’t happen until at least July 1.

Supporters of increasing the speed limit claim estimates show most vehicles traveling on rural sections of Wyoming interstates already travel near 80 mph. Critics contend an increase will result in more traffic fatalities and injuries.

Currently, only Texas and Utah are the only states that allow speeds of 80 mph or greater.