As of May 5, North Dakota has joined a growing list of U.S. states that allow drivers to travel at speeds up to 80 miles per hour on designated multi-lane highways. This decision, finalized with Governor Kelly Armstrong’s signature, makes North Dakota the ninth state to adopt the 80-mph threshold.
The new speed limit law will officially take effect on August 1, and will likely apply to key routes like Interstate 94 and Interstate 29, which span major sections of the state.
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How the Bill Passed Despite Initial Setbacks
The journey to an increased speed limit wasn’t smooth. The bill initially failed in a previous vote but was reintroduced and passed during the most recent legislative session. Although the vote wasn’t overwhelming, enough support was gathered to pass the law, as reported by the North Dakota Monitor.
Where the 80 MPH Limit Will Apply
High-Speed Zones Across Multi-Lane Highways
The new legislation targets multi-lane highways, especially those with rural stretches and minimal urban congestion. However, the law includes flexibility: speed limits can be adjusted based on road conditions and traffic patterns.
Slower Limits Around Urban Areas
Urban zones and metropolitan corridors will maintain lower speed limits, aiming to balance the benefits of faster travel with local traffic safety concerns.
Regional Comparison: How North Dakota Stacks Up
Matching Neighboring States
With this change, North Dakota now aligns with states like South Dakota and Montana, which already have 80-mph maximums. To the east, Minnesota continues to enforce a 70-mph maximum on similar roads, making it one of the slower states in the region.
Other 80-MPH States
North Dakota now joins a select group of states with 80 mph limits, including:
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Wyoming
In Texas, certain toll roads even allow speeds of up to 85 mph, the highest legal limit in the U.S.
The Safety Debate: Are Higher Speeds Riskier?
Fatality Risk Tied to Speed Limit Increases
While faster highways can improve travel efficiency, they also carry increased safety risks. A 2019 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed that each 5-mph rise in speed limits resulted in an 8.5% increase in fatalities on interstates and freeways.
Since the federal speed limit was abolished in 1995 under the National Highway Designation Act, the U.S. has seen a patchwork of state-level speed regulations. According to the same IIHS study, the removal of federal limits has contributed to over 36,000 additional traffic deaths, including more than 13,600 on interstates.
What Drivers Should Know: Fines and Enforcement
Speeding Penalties in North Dakota
If you’re caught driving five miles per hour over the new 80-mph limit, expect a $25 fine. This may seem minimal compared to other states, but it’s still a significant deterrent.
Comparison with Other States
In contrast, Illinois fines drivers up to $1,500 for exceeding speed limits by 26–34 mph. In Georgia, anyone driving 85 mph or more on any road incurs a $200 state fee, in addition to local penalties.
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Expert Opinions: The Balance Between Speed and Safety
The Federal Highway Administration emphasizes that speed limits should reflect “maximum reasonable and safe speed for normal conditions.” While higher speed zones can reduce travel time, they require careful enforcement and ongoing evaluation to ensure public safety isn’t compromised.
Conclusion: What This Means for North Dakota Drivers
North Dakota’s move to an 80-mph speed limit marks a major change in regional traffic policy. While it brings the state in line with its neighbors and supports faster travel on long highway routes, drivers must remain vigilant. Safety concerns, increased enforcement, and variable speed zones mean that knowing the rules and driving responsibly will be more important than ever.