Michigan Senate OKs Higher Speed Limits On Rural Highways

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Get ready to go a little faster on some Michigan roadways.

Legislation that would authorize higher speed limits on 1,500 miles of rural Michigan interstates and highways is nearing Gov. Rick Snyder's desk.

The Michigan Senate voted 28-8 for the bill Wednesday.

It would require the state Transportation Department, within a year of the law taking effect, to set a 75 mph limit on 600 miles of interstates if a safety study shows it's OK. The current limit is 70 mph. The bill also would require a 65 mph limit on 900 miles of state highways if a study indicates it's safe.

Supporters say the goal is to raise speed limits where 85 percent of drivers are already traveling at higher speeds and will protect motorists from being unnecessarily ticketed in what's commonly referred to as "speed traps. It's also believed higher limits will afford police the ability to focus on other enforcement areas such as impaired, distracted or careless driving, and restraint enforcement.

An earlier version of the bill was approved by the House, so the measure appears headed toward final passage.

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