State Rep. introduces bill to raise speed limit to 70mph

MANITOWOC (WITI) -- State Representative Paul Tittl (R - Manitowoc) has introduced a bill to raise the maximum speed limit from 65 to 70 miles per hour on freeways and expressways.

Wisconsin is now the only state in the Midwest state with a 65 mile per hour maximum speed limit for all roadways. On Monday, August 19th, Democratic Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois signed a bill into law allowing for 70 MPH speed limits on some rural highways.  This bill will align the state’s speed limit with that of neighboring states.

“Nearly 5% of Wisconsin commuters have a one-way commute of 60 minutes or more,” said Tittl. “This bill will enable them to get home faster so they can spend more time with their families.”



Speed limits were often 70 mph on rural highways until the federal government set a maximum speed limit of 55 mph in 1973, largely to conserve fuel during the energy crisis.  In 1995, federal regulations were abolished and states returned to setting their own limits. Many states immediately raised limits back to 70 mph or higher.

With Illinois’ action Monday, 37 states have a speed limit of 70 mph or above on some portion of their roads.

“When I talk to people about raising the limit, many of them say it’s about time,” said Rep. Tittl.  “They have driven safely in other states and like the option of driving a few miles per hour faster on our roads too.”

Safety continues to be Rep. Tittl’s top priority.  This legislation preserves the Department of Transportation’s ability to lower speed limits in order to preserve public safety.

“I’m excited to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make a 70 MPH speed limit in Wisconsin a reality,” Tittl concluded.