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Who sets the speed limits on the Interstate Highways?

By Steve Lombardi

Speed limits in the US are set by each state or territory. The speeds chosen depend on a designation selected according to the type of road or the area surrounding the highway. In Iowa for instance we have I-80 and I-35 joining together for a 15 or 20 miles stretch as these roads wrap around Des Moines in central Iowa. Along this conjoined interstate highway the speed drops from 70 to 55 mph. Trucks are allowed to drive at the same speeds as cars when on the freeway.

Here is a grid that shows the interstate highway speeds by state and type of road along with the surrounding land uses that surrounds the highway section.

The maximum posted speed limits across the United States can be found by following this link.

Maximum posted speed limits, January 2010, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The Interstate system in the US is divided into urban and rural sections. Since 1995 when the 55 mph speed limit was repealed by Congress 33 states have raised the limit to 70 mph or higher.

If we look at I-35 from Minnesota through Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and to Texas it varies between 55 and in some places higher than 70.

Interstate Speeds for Trucks and Cars on I-35

SPEEDS Rural Freeway – Urban Interstate Speeds

Minnesota – 70 mph, then urban freeway speeds are 45–60 mph.

Iowa –70 mph then urban freeway speeds are 55-65 mph.

Missouri – Like Iowa its 70 mph then urban freeway speeds are 55-65 mph.

Kansas – Like Iowa its 70 mph then urban freeway speeds are 55-65 mph.

Oklahoma – Its 70-75 on rural interstates and then 55-65.

Texas - Just say Vroooommm! It's 70-80, 70 mph for trucks on the rural interstate and then 60 mph in the urban areas.

Safety Tip – If you're going to travel through different states on I-35 you should be aware of how each state treats speeders and sets speed limits. For instance Texas treats residents of Texas differently than nonresidents. Also Texas prescribes one speed limit, 70 mph, and changes that speed only if a study indicates another speed is recommended. I believe Texas likes to do things different than any other state. See the photographs of Texas legislator Pete Gallego unveiling a new 80 mph speed limit sign in I-10 near Fort Stockton. At night the speed drops to 65 mph.

Iowa's I-35 exits from north to south and back again.

That's enough for today, but come back tomorrow to read The Verdict blog/blawg at Lombardi Law Firm or posts on the InjuryBoard – Des Moines, where I will discuss other car-truck-semi-motorcycle accidents in Iowa. And as always if you are in an accident and need legal services we encourage you to call us sooner, rather than later.

In Texas for assistance contact Beth Janicek with the Law Offices of Beth Janicek or Jeffrey Rasanksy with the Rasanky Law Firm in Dallas. In Minnesota we recommend you call upon Mike Bryant with Bradshaw and Bryant for legal advice. In Oklahoma Noble McIntyre and Jeremy Thurman of Oklahoma-Law.com of serves those with I-35 collision or accident questions. And in Iowa call myself, Steve Lombardi, with the Lombardi Law Firm.

Interstate 35 is a part of the United States Interstate Highwaysystem running north-south from Duluth, Minnesota (at an intersection known as the Can of Worms) to Laredo, Texas. Its length is 1568.38 miles (2,524.06 km).

If you're interested in reading more about I-35 Safety click on any link below.

Motor-Carrier Driver Qualifications - What It Takes to Be Physically Qualified Part 2

Jeremy Thurman | January 20, 2010 10:53 AM

Motor-Carrier Driver Qualifications - First Prong of Being Physically Qualified

Jeremy Thurman | January 19, 2010 10:28 AM

Who's driving that semi-truck on the Interstate heading towards my family?

Beth Janicek | January 15, 2010 11:58 AM

Part 2: Who's driving that semi-truck on the Interstate heading towards my family?

Beth Janicek | January 18, 2010 12:00 PM | San Antonio, TX

Less State Troopers On Iowa Roads At Night: Should There Be A Concern?

Mike Bryant | January 20, 2010 9:07 AM

Highway 22 Head On Collision Leaves Two Teenagers Dead

Mike Bryant | January 19, 2010 2:02 AM

What should Iowans know about how NAFTA affects highway safety?

Steve Lombardi | January 15, 2010 1:28 PM | Des Moines, IA

Interstate I-35/I-80 Safety: New tires requires you to recheck the lug nuts

Steve Lombardi | January 14, 2010 12:01 PM | Des Moines, IA

Politicians can ignore our decaying infrastructure but it won't change what is happening with bridges in the United States. It's only a matter of time before we see another bridge collapse. While these attorneys can't know every section of the interstate we decided to focus on this one section (I-35 from MN to TX) since we drive on it and pay attention to news reports about accidents on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x-ckRu5jEY

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on January 21, 2010 (boomark / email).