Fast-paced highways in North Dakota now allow speeds of 80 miles per hour, contrasted by reduced speed limits in other areas.
In a move aimed at reflecting modern driving speeds while maintaining safety, North Dakota has become the latest state to increase its speed limit on certain highways to 80 mph. This change, effective from August 2025, joins eight other states - South Dakota, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Texas, Idaho, and Maine - that already have 80 mph speed limits on rural interstate highways or specific stretches of roads.
The affected cities in North Dakota include Dickinson, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Medora, and Valley City. On these roads, the fine for speeding at 97 mph in an 80 mph zone is $105. If the speed limit is less than 65 mph, the fine is $20 or $3 for each mile per hour over the limit, whichever is greater. For speeds exceeding 16 mph over the limit, an additional $20 fee applies.
The new speed limit in North Dakota has been implemented on I-29 and I-94 outside of congested areas, while urban zones retain lower limits for safety. The states with 80 mph limits typically restrict these to less complex rural highways with wide lanes and good visibility.
North Dakota's population of approximately 800,000 makes it the fourth-least-densely populated state in the union. The increase in speed limit has been facilitated by House Bill 1298, which has adjusted speeding fines in the state.
While Texas, Idaho, and Maine have high speed limits close to 75-78 mph, they are not specifically listed as 80 mph states. However, some sources commonly include Texas when referring to the highest state speed limits, though not necessarily 80 mph officially.
Here's a summary of the key current speed limits for the nine states with 80 mph zones (mostly rural interstates):
| State | Typical 80 mph Limit Location | Notes | |---------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | North Dakota | I-29 and I-94 on certain segments | Implemented August 2025 | | South Dakota | Rural interstate highways | Common 80 mph | | Utah | Rural interstates | 80 mph usual | | Montana | Rural interstates | 80 mph typical | | Wyoming | Rural interstates | 80 mph typical | | Nevada | Rural highways | 80 mph possible in rural areas | | Texas | High-speed limits up to 78 mph | Not officially 80 mph but near | | Idaho | Up to 77 mph average top speed | Not 80 mph officially | | Maine | Up to 75 mph on some highways | Below 80 mph |
For more detailed discussions on speed limits, readers can contact Andrew Collins via email.
The increase in speed limit in North Dakota, affecting cities like Dickinson, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Medora, and Valley City, could stimulate the automotive industry, potentially increasing car sales and car-maintenance services. With this new lifestyle, the state's finance sector may also experience growth due to the increased fines for speeding. Moreover, this change in transportation patterns in North Dakota, joining other states with 80 mph speed limits, could signal a shift toward embracing modern travel norms.
