The US state of Arizona is studying the complete removal of speed limits on sections of certain interstate highways.
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The proposal was presented by Nick Kupperstate representative, and aims to create “restricted speed zones” on certain rural interstate highways throughout the state.
Called the Reasonable and Prudent Interstate Driving (RAPID) Act, the bill would drop mandatory daytime speed limits on highways in rural areas with populations of fewer than 50,000 people.
Speed limits would return to 80 miles per hour (128 km/h) overnight, which is still 5 mph (8 km/h) faster than Arizona’s current speed limits. Commercial vehicles would be restricted to 80 mph at any time of day.
Before the bill is passed, lawmakers are proposing a pilot project. In this scenario, a stretch of Interstate 8 between Casa Grande and Yuma would be designated a “restricted speed zone” for a year to see if that would affect crash rates.
“Naturally, your first inclination is, ‘This is crazy – you’re going to kill people’. However, the data proves otherwise. And I want to do this pilot program to prove that we can actually do this and save lives,” Kupper told Arizona Capitol Times.
Under the new bill, large stretches of Interstates 10, 17, 19 and 40, as well as a segment of I-15 that runs through the northwest corner of Arizona, would also be designated as “restricted speed zones.”
The bill is expected to reach Arizona’s legislative session in 2026. If passed, Arizona would be the only U.S. state with unrestricted speed limits on certain stretches of road.
Photo: Unsplash. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
