It’s official: the top speed limit in the state of North Dakota is about to increase to 80 mph. That means the Midwest state is about to enter an elite club of what is currently nine states, soon to be ten, which have a top speed limit of 80 mph.

Stop/start technology for cars won’t be required moving forward.

Govern Kelly Armstrong signed a bill that raises the speed limit into law on May 5, joining with neighboring states Montana and South Dakota with the 80 mph speed limit. In the meantime, Minnesota still has a 70 mph limit.

Also included in the bill are higher fines for speeders, which makes sense. After all, if the limit is raised, the need to exceed it really isn’t there anymore. That’s the compromise which helped the bill sail through North Dakota Legislature.

Back in 2023, the state legislature narrowly passed a bill that would’ve increased North Dakota’s speed limit to 80 mph. But then-Governor Dough Burgum vetoed it.

Of course, there are those who are hailing this move as the end of the world in North Dakota. After all, some people believe speed kills. We can testify that, in fact, isn’t true. It is the act of suddenly stopping in an uncontrolled way that can prove fatal.

In addition, different studies conducted throughout the years have shown higher speed limits don’t always result in everyone driving faster. Many drivers go whatever speed they feel comfortable traveling, like on the Autobahn.

Raising the speed limit doesn’t encourage lawlessness, despite what some might claim. In fact, those same studies have shown exceptionally low speed limits often make people want to speed more.

Currently, the states with 80 mph speed limits are Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Come August, North Dakota will join that elite club.

Source: North Dakota Monitor

Image via KWCH12/X

By Steven Symes

Steven Symes is an accomplished automotive journalist with a passion for all things related to cars. His extensive knowledge and love for the automotive world shine through in his writing, which covers a diverse range of topics.

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