MT Legislature Debates Raising Speed Limit to 80 MPH

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Republican senator from Bozeman has proposed higher speed limits and higher fines for speeding on Montana's highways.

Sen. Scott Sales introduced Senate Bill 375 in the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee on Thursday. The measure would increase the highway speed limit for passenger vehicles from 75 mph to 80 mph. Trucks would be allowed to drive 70 mph on secondary roads, up from 60 or 65 mph.

Speeding tickets in Montana are currently no more than $40. Sales' proposal would increase fines incrementally from $20 to $200.

Montana Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler favored the proposal after state troopers opposed two 85 mph speed limit proposals earlier this session.

Representatives of truck drivers and insurance agencies opposed the bill, saying increased speed limits would be unsafe.