If enacted, HB 900 will lead to updated maximum speed limits on selected secondary highways across Montana. This change is expected to facilitate quicker travel times for drivers using these roads, which could have positive implications for commuter and freight transportation. Additionally, the bill allocates $10,000 from the highway nonrestricted account to cover the costs associated with installing signs that indicate the new speed limits. This reflects a recognition of the need for proper communication with drivers regarding any changes in traffic laws.
Summary
House Bill 900 aims to revise the speed limit laws in Montana specifically for certain secondary highways that have been expanded to four lanes. The bill proposes to increase the daytime speed limit to 75 miles per hour and the nighttime speed limit to 70 miles per hour on these newly expanded roads, which are defined in the bill as those that are at least 15 miles long. The rationale behind this legislative change is grounded in the belief that higher speed limits on more expansive roadways will improve traffic flow and efficiency while accommodating modern driving capabilities.
Contention
While increasing speed limits may be welcomed by some as a means of enhancing travel efficiency, it could also raise safety concerns among advocacy groups and residents worried about the implications of higher speeds on highway safety. There is potential for opposition from those who argue that elevated speed limits might lead to an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities, particularly on roadways not previously accustomed to such speeds. The bill may prompt discussions regarding the balance between improving transportation efficiency and ensuring public safety on Montana's roads.