Speedier North Dakota Highways Come with Lower Speeds in Other Areas
In a recent development, the state of North Dakota has joined eight other states in allowing increased speed limits on certain highways. As of August 1, 2025, Interstates 29 and 94 in North Dakota now have a speed limit of 80 mph on their long, straight stretches of open road.
This change was confirmed by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) to the local publication, the Argus Leader. The move aims to reflect modern vehicle capabilities and road conditions, but safety experts caution that higher speeds increase crash severity and risks.
The cities affected by the speed limit reduction in North Dakota include Dickinson, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Medora, and Valley City. Elsewhere in the state, the speed limit remains at 70 mph near population centers for safety reasons.
In North Dakota, fines for speeding on roads with a limit less than 65 mph are $20 or $3 for each mile per hour over the limit, whichever is greater. If the speed limit is 65 mph or higher, a ticket can be issued for $20, or $5 per mph (whichever is greater), with an additional $20 fee for speeding more than 16 mph over the limit. For example, if caught speeding at 97 mph in an 80 mph zone, the penalty would be $105.
Andrew Collins, an expert on speed limits, can be contacted for discussions on opinions about speed limits at andrew.collins@[our website].
As of 2025, nine U.S. states have speed limits of 80 mph on certain highways. These states are: Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (allows up to 85 mph on some roads), Utah, and Wyoming. Texas has a few spots where the speed limit is as high as 85 mph.
It's important to note that these 80 mph speed limits generally apply on long, straight, limited-access highways or rural interstates with light traffic and suitable road design. Urban areas and more complex routes maintain lower speed limits for safety reasons, including reduced limits in construction zones or areas with curves and hills.
Law enforcement groups advocate careful attention to speed changes to ensure safety on the roads. For more insights and opinions on this topic, feel free to reach out to Andrew Collins.
- The increase in speed limits on certain North Dakota highways could potentially impact the automotive industry, as it may encourage car enthusiasts to purchase vehicles capable of reaching higher speeds.
- The finance industry might experience fluctuations due to increased penalties for speeding violations under the revised speed limits in North Dakota, as steeper fines could potentially lead to more traffic tickets.
- Higher speed limits on highways in North Dakota may influence lifestyle choices, as residents and visitors might prefer vehicles with better fuel efficiency for car-maintenance reasons, considering the potential for longer drives at increased speeds.