On Wednesday, February 12, a bill was introduced in the North Carolina House of Representatives proposing an increase in the maximum speed limit from 70 mph to 75 mph.
The proposed change would apply to roadways that are either part of the Interstate Highway System or designated as toll roads.
If enacted, the bill would not automatically raise all interstate speed limits to 75 mph. Instead, it would grant the Department of Transportation the authority to implement the increase if an engineering and traffic study determines it to be “reasonable and safe.”
Although the bill has just been introduced and still has a lengthy legislative process ahead, no speed limit changes would take effect until new signage is installed to inform drivers. This would only occur if the bill successfully passes.
Legislative records indicate that eight representatives have signed on as sponsors of the bill. Among them, six are Republicans and two are Democrats. One of the sponsors, Rep. Nasif Majeed, represents a northeastern portion of the Queen City, which includes UNC Charlotte.
The bill has been assigned to the Committee on Transportation, where one of its co-sponsors, Rep. Brian Biggs, serves as a member.
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