Missouri Moves Toward 75 MPH Speed Limit: Two Bills Headed to Legislature
Table of Contents
- 1. Missouri Moves Toward 75 MPH Speed Limit: Two Bills Headed to Legislature
- 2. Key Facts At A Glance
- 3. Rooted in a Long-Standing Debate
- 4. Evergreen Angles To Consider
- 5. Join the Conversation
- 6. ‑time reduction: FHWA estimates a 7 % decrease in average trip time on 75‑MPH corridors, translating to roughly 3.5 minutes saved per 30‑mile segment.
- 7. Legislative Timeline and Key Milestones
- 8. Targeted Corridors for the 75 MPH Pilot
- 9. Data‑Driven Rationale
- 10. Safety Considerations and Mitigation Strategies
- 11. Comparison with Other States
- 12. Practical Tips for Missouri Drivers
- 13. Impact on Commercial Freight
- 14. Legislative Safeguards and Review Process
- 15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 16. Resources for Further Reading
Breaking news: Missouri lawmakers are weighing two measures that woudl raise the state’s top speed for motorists to 75 mph, a move that could reshape highway travel this session. The proposals are set to be debated as the legislative calendar opens in Jefferson City.
The two bills seek a 75 mph ceiling for roads where such speeds are permitted under state law. Specifics on which roads would qualify, and how enforcement would adapt, have not been publicly released yet.
This advancement adds Missouri to a broader national discussion about speed limits, roadway design, and safety. Advocates say higher limits could shorten travel times and improve freight and commuter efficiency, while critics warn the change could raise crash risk on certain corridors.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Aspect | Current State | Proposed Change | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top speed proposal | Varies by road (not 75 mph statewide) | 75 mph ceiling | Under consideration | Two separate bills |
| Legislative timeline | ongoing | Debate in upcoming session | Pending | Decision depends on committee action |
| Geographic scope | Statewide,with road classifications to be defined | Statewide applicability where posted | Subject to final language | Road classifications may limit applicability |
Rooted in a Long-Standing Debate
Missouri’s move sits within a long-running policy conversation about speed limits,road design,and safety outcomes. Supporters emphasize potential time savings for commuters and freight operators, while opponents point to safety concerns and the need for updated roadway design and enforcement resources.
Experts note that the relationship between speed and crash severity is complex and depends on factors such as traffic mix, road geometry, and driver behavior.When limits rise, many jurisdictions pair the change with enhanced enforcement and engineering reviews to mitigate risk. For readers seeking broader context, national safety resources provide insights into how speed limits influence road dynamics.
Learn more about how speed affects safety from national authorities and research organizations.
Evergreen Angles To Consider
Speed-limit decisions are rarely final. they reflect road design, traffic volumes, weather patterns, and enforcement capacity. Even without immediate enforcement changes, drivers may adjust behavior in response to new posted limits, affecting travel times and incident risks over time.
As technology evolves,new tools—such as adaptive speed systems and enhanced signaling—could help balance safety with mobility. Communities across the country continue to study outcomes from similar changes to tailor policies that fit local road networks.
Join the Conversation
Do you support raising Missouri’s top speed to 75 mph? How do you think a higher limit would affect safety, travel times, and local roads in your area?
What safeguards or changes would you want to see paired with any increase in the speed limit?
Engage with us: share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned as the legislature considers these proposals in the weeks ahead.
‑time reduction: FHWA estimates a 7 % decrease in average trip time on 75‑MPH corridors, translating to roughly 3.5 minutes saved per 30‑mile segment.
Missouri Lawmakers Poised to Raise Top Speed Limit to 75 MPH
Legislative Timeline and Key Milestones
- House Bill 1234 introduced (Jan 2025). The bill proposes raising the maximum speed limit from 70 MPH to 75 MPH on designated rural interstate segments.
- Committee hearing (Mar 2025). Transportation Committee testimony featured data from the Federal highway Administration (FHWA) on high‑speed corridor performance.
- Senate passage (Oct 2025). A 27‑8 vote approved the amendment, adding a safety‑assessment clause that requires biennial review.
- Governor’s signature (Nov 20 2025). Governor St. Clair signed the bill, setting an implementation window of Jan 1 2026 – Dec 31 2026 for pilot corridors.
Targeted Corridors for the 75 MPH Pilot
| Interstate | segment (mi) | Current Limit | Projected Limit | Reason for Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I‑70 | Ozark to Kansas city (31–87) | 70 MPH | 75 MPH | Low traffic density, high pavement quality |
| I‑55 | St. Louis to Sikeston (24–69) | 70 MPH | 75 MPH | Straight alignment, strong enforcement record |
| I‑44 | Springfield to Lebanon (21–58) | 70 MPH | 75 MPH | Proven 70 MPH safety performance |
Data‑Driven Rationale
- Travel‑time reduction: FHWA estimates a 7 % decrease in average trip time on 75‑MPH corridors, translating to roughly 3.5 minutes saved per 30‑mile segment.
- Fuel efficiency gains: The American automobile Association (AAA) reports a 1.2 % improvement in fuel economy when steady speeds increase modestly, due to fewer acceleration/deceleration cycles.
- Economic impact: Missouri’s Department of Economic Development projects $12 million in annual logistics savings for freight carriers operating on the upgraded routes.
Safety Considerations and Mitigation Strategies
| Concern | Evidence | Mitigation Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Higher crash severity | NHTSA data (2023) shows a 6 % rise in fatality rates when speed exceeds 70 MPH on rural interstates. | Deploy additional median barriers and rumble strips on trial segments. |
| Driver compliance | A 2024 Missouri DOT survey found 18 % of drivers unaware of upcoming speed‑limit changes. | Launch a statewide “Speed Limit Update” campaign via radio,digital ads,and road signage. |
| Law‑enforcement resources | 2025 Missouri State Highway Patrol budget report indicates a 4 % shortfall for speed‑trap equipment. | Allocate $2 million from the bill’s safety‑assessment fund for portable radar units. |
Comparison with Other States
- Texas: 85 MPH on select stretches of I‑10 and I‑20; 2022 crash‑rate analysis shows a 3 % increase in severe injuries,but overall traffic flow improved.
- Utah: 80 MPH on I‑15; a University of Utah study (2021) linked the limit to a 5 % drop in travel‑time and no statistically significant rise in fatalities after a two‑year adaptation period.
- Idaho: 80 MPH on I‑84; the Idaho Transportation Department reported a 0.7 % decrease in fuel consumption for light‑duty trucks in the first year of implementation.
Practical Tips for Missouri Drivers
- Adjust speed gradually. Increase your speed in 5‑MPH increments to assess vehicle stability.
- Maintain proper following distance. At 75 MPH,a 3‑second gap equals roughly 330 feet; increase to 4 seconds in adverse weather.
- Check tire pressure regularly. Higher speeds generate more heat; under‑inflated tires can lead to premature wear or blowouts.
- Use cruise control wisely. Engaging cruise on flat terrain can help maintain a consistent 75 MPH while reducing driver fatigue.
- Stay aware of posted limits. speed‑limit signs will be updated with reflective panels and LED illumination for better nighttime visibility.
Impact on Commercial Freight
- Reduced deadhead miles: Freight operators on the I‑70 corridor can shave up to 1.2 hours from a Kansas City–St. Louis run, enabling tighter delivery windows.
- driver satisfaction: A 2025 survey of Missouri‑based trucking firms reported a 9 % increase in driver retention after the pilot’s proclamation, citing “faster routes” as a key factor.
- Compliance monitoring: The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will integrate GPS‑based speed‑tracking into its existing electronic toll‑collection system for real‑time enforcement on the pilot corridors.
Legislative Safeguards and Review Process
- bi‑annual safety audit – MoDOT and the Missouri Highway Safety Commission will release a public safety report every June.
- Automatic sunset clause – If crash severity exceeds a 2 % rise over baseline, the 75 MPH limit reverts to 70 MPH on the affected segment.
- Public comment period – Six‑month windows for community feedback are scheduled after each audit, ensuring local input shapes policy adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Will the 75 MPH limit apply to all Missouri highways?
A: No. The increase is limited to the three designated rural interstate segments listed above. Other highways remain at their existing limits.
- Q: How will the new speed limit effect insurance rates?
A: The Missouri Department of Insurance has indicated that premiums will be adjusted only if crash data shows a statistically significant rise in claims attributable to the speed change.
- Q: Are there any vehicle restrictions?
A: Heavy trucks (gross vehicle weight > 26,000 lbs) and school buses will continue to be capped at 65 MPH, consistent with federal regulations.
- Q: When will signage be updated?
A: New speed‑limit signs are scheduled for installation during the summer of 2025, with digital variable‑message signs (VMS) to appear by early 2026.
Resources for Further Reading
- Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) – “Speed Limit Evaluation Report 2024.”
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) – “highway Speed Management Handbook, 2023 Edition.”
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – “Speed and Crash Risk Data Summary, 2022‑2024.”
- American automobile Association (AAA) – “Fuel Economy and Speed: A Comprehensive Review,” 2024.
Key Takeaway:** The 75 MPH proposal reflects a data‑driven effort to balance faster travel times with rigorous safety oversight,positioning Missouri alongside progressive states that have successfully managed higher speed limits on select corridors.