Speed Limits May Rise On Idaho Roads If Feds Remove Restrictions, State May Change Laws On Some Highways

If it’s safe, legislative leaders say it’s possible Idaho might be raising speed limits on some roads if the federal government removes its restrictions.

The U.S. Senate Tuesday night approved legislation removing the federal limit of 65 mph on rural interstates and allowing states to set their own limits.

Idaho officials say it’s a long way from Senate action to final approval but states should set speed limits anyway.

“I believe it’s a states’ rights issue. We could make that decision and I’d like the opportunity to do that,” said Jerry Twiggs, R-Blackfoot.

But personally, he said, “I’m comfortable with 65 miles per hour on a freeway.”

Sen. Evan Frasure, R-Pocatello, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said considering the fact people widely ignore the 65 mph limit on freeways, “I certainly wouldn’t oppose taking a look at 70 mph on the interstate.”

“It’s appropriate that states have that decision,” he said. “The interstate was designed and built for 70 mph.”

The chairman of the House Transportation and Defense Committee, Rep. JoAn Wood, R-Rigby, said she’d like to take a look at the law requiring 55 mph freeway speed limits around certain cities. The change from 65 mph to a lower limit is a problem for some motorists, she said.

She agreed states should set the limits.

Transportation Director Dwight Bower said his department’s recommendations to the Legislature will be based on sound engineering and safety considerations.

He said the Transportation Department probably would let the Legislature decide whether to increase the freeway limit of 65 mph and the staff would look at other state roads now limited to 55 mph to see if changes are needed.

The U.S. Senate also debated legisla tion removing mandatory seat belt and helmet laws. States were threatened with the loss of federal highway funds if they didn’t have seat belt and helmet laws.

Idaho had a law requiring motorcyclists to wear safety helmets, but repealed it.