North Dakota Raises Interstate Speed Limit to 80 MPH

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has signed House Bill 1298, raising the interstate speed limit from 75 mph to 80 mph on Interstates 29 and 94, effective August 1. The new law brings North Dakota in line with South Dakota and Montana, while Minnesota’s interstate limit remains at 70 mph. The legislation introduces a new fine structure based on how many miles per hour over the limit a driver is, with higher penalties for construction zone violations. Supporters say the change is unlikely to increase traffic fatalities, referencing experiences in neighboring states, while opponents remain concerned about safety. The bill passed after a legislative compromise between the House and Senate that included the speed increase and stricter penalties. This is the first interstate speed limit increase in North Dakota in over 20 years.