Texas To Raise Speed Limit

Over the three day weekend, Texans celebrated Labor Day with an increase in the speed limit.

As of September 1st, Texas has done away with the night time speed limit of 65 mph.  They also did away with a special speed limit for Semi Trucks.  The law went into effect over the weekend.  Officials say it will take some time to change all the signs, but you can now legally drive 70 at night.

Not only did the law get rid of a night speed limit, but it allows Texas to raise the speed limit.  How does 75 or 85 mph sound?  Well that is what was approved.  However, this is still to be determined.  The Texas Department of Transportation is conducting studies to see where these speeds will be posted.  More than likely, 75 will be the norm for most highways while 85 will be contained to more rural areas.

There are actually 500 miles of  Texas highway that already has a speed limit of 85, this will just put everyone else up to speed.

This will make Texas the state with the highest speed limit.  While many disagree with these changes, I am torn.  It will be wonderful to drive a little faster, but how safe is it?  With the speed limit at 70 mph, there are many who think it is acceptable to drive 10 miles over the speed limit.  This will be setting their speeds at 95-100.

So what do you think?  Do you think people will drive more carefully given this freedom, or do you think the majority will abuse the new law?