North DakotaNorth Dakota would allow 80 mph on some interstate highways
North Dakota drivers could face an 80 mph interstate limit, while highway officials may adjust limits for unsafe conditions and review traffic fees.
What it does
Drivers could travel up to 80 mph on access-controlled, paved, divided interstate highways, unless signs or road conditions call for a lower speed.
In a state highway variable speed zone, the director could temporarily cut the limit by more than 20 mph when conditions are unsafe, with the lower limit shown on signs.
The highway patrol and local law enforcement must review driver license points and traffic fees, then recommend changes to the system and fee schedule.
Argument forOfficials could lower limits quickly during unsafe conditions, which may help protect drivers when weather or road conditions change.
Argument againstDrivers might face higher speeding fees and sharper speed drops in some zones, making it harder to adjust safely when limits change.
More detail
The default speed limit would rise to 80 mph on access-controlled, paved, divided interstate highways. This applies to access-controlled, paved, divided interstate highways. A different posted limit or road conditions may require a lower speed.
The director could temporarily lower speed limits by more than 20 mph in a variable speed limit adjustment zone when unsafe conditions exist. This applies in variable speed limit adjustment zones on the state highway system. Variable speed signs must show the limit. An administrative order is not required for a temporary reduction due to unsafe conditions. The reduced limit applies temporarily while unsafe conditions exist.
The highway patrol, working with local law enforcement, must study the driver's license points system and traffic fees and report recommendations. The highway patrol must work with local law enforcement and report to Legislative Management. The report must include findings, recommendations, and any legislation needed to carry them out. The study is due during the 2025–26 interim, and the report is due by August 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Jun 11Filed with Secretary Of State 05/06Latest
- May 17Signed by Governor Kelly Armstrong 05/05Became Law
- May 2Sent to GovernorTo Governor
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1298. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1298. Result: pass.Lower
- May 2Signed by Speaker
- May 2Signed by President
- May 2Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 27 nays 20Major
- May 2Conference committee report adopted
- May 2Reported back from conference committee, in place of, placed on calendarMinor
- May 1Second reading, passed, yeas 54 nays 36Major
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1298. Result: fail.Lower
- May 1Reconsidered
- May 1Second reading, failed, lacks constitutional majority yeas 46 nays 45Minor
- May 1Conference committee report adopted
- May 1Reported back from conference committee, in place of, placed on calendarMinor
- Apr 24Conference committee appointed Rummel Hogan Klein
- Apr 23Appoint Rep. Dressler to replace Rep. Kasper on conference committee
- Apr 22Conference committee appointed Koppelman Kasper Morton
- Apr 22Refused to concur
- Apr 18Returned to House (12)
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1298. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1298. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1298. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 18Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 28 nays 18Major
- Apr 18Division B passedMajor
- Apr 18Division A passedPassed Senate
- Apr 18Division of bill
- Apr 18Amendment adopted, placed on calendar
- Apr 17Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 4 2 0Minor
- Mar 6Committee Hearing 09:30
- Feb 17Introduced, first reading, referred Transportation CommitteeMinor
- Jan 27Received from House
- Jan 24Second reading, passed, yeas 69 nays 22Passed House
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1298. Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 23Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 13 0 1Minor
- Jan 23Committee Hearing 02:00
- Jan 13Introduced, first reading, referred Transportation CommitteeIntroduced
TransportationPublic SafetyEmergency Management