The impact of HB1802 would modify the existing laws that govern speed limits significantly by setting statewide standards. This would replace local ordinances that might have established different speed limits. Additionally, the bill empowers the highways and transportation commission to modify these speed limits further based on safety needs or traffic flow, which indicates a centralized approach in controlling speed limit regulations instead of allowing local entities to have broad discretion.
Summary
House Bill 1802 seeks to repeal and replace existing legislation regarding speed limits on roads in Missouri. The new provisions establish uniform maximum speed limits across various types of highways, including rural interstates, expressways, and urbanized areas. Specifically, the bill proposes a speed limit of seventy miles per hour for rural interstates, sixty-five miles per hour for rural expressways, and sixty miles per hour for highways within urbanized zones.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding local governance. Advocates argue that standardizing speed limits will enhance safety and improve traffic flow. However, detractors express concerns over the potential loss of local authority to regulate road safety in a manner that locally reflects the community's needs. The bill's provisions that allow the commission to override local regulations have raised alarms among those favoring local control over state mandates.