It’s an interesting coincidence that North Dakota is increasing its interstate speed limit to 80 mph just as neighboring states South Dakota and Montana have done the same. You can now legally drive faster than before even before all the new signs are up, but this change comes with stricter fines and varying speed limits in cities, stirring debate on whether higher speeds will impact overall road safety. What this means for drivers and enforcement is worth examining closely.
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Key Takeaways
- North Dakota’s interstate speed limit increased to 80 mph effective August 1, 2025, aligning with South Dakota and Montana.
- New speeding fines are either $20 or $5 per mph over the limit on highways ≥ 65 mph, with an extra $20 for speeding over 16 mph above the limit.
- Speeding fines in construction zones with workers increased from $80 to $150 to enhance safety.
- Urban area speed limits reduced, e.g., Dickinson, Grand Forks, and Jamestown lowered from 75 to 70 mph, West Fargo limited to 55 mph[BACKGROUND].
- Sign replacements for the new limits begin August 4, 2025, expected to take about two weeks to complete statewide[BACKGROUND].
Updates to Interstate Speed Limits in North Dakota
Although the new interstate speed limit in North Dakota officially takes effect on August 1, 2025, you can legally drive at 80 mph even before the updated signs are installed, which will start being replaced on August 4 and take about two weeks to complete.
The interstate speed limit increase to 80 mph aligns North Dakota with South Dakota and Montana, addressing the current average speed of 81 mph already logged.
While speed limits in certain cities decrease to 70 mph, the state has raised speeding fines, particularly in construction zones, aiming to reduce traffic fatalities despite the higher speed allowance.
New Structure of Speeding Fines and Penalties
North Dakota has implemented a new speeding fine structure that charges you $20 or $5 for each mile per hour over the limit on highways with speed limits of 65 mph or higher, whichever amount is greater. For lower speed zones, fines are $20 or $3 per mph over the limit. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 16 mph adds a $20 penalty. Construction zone fines increased from $80 to $150 to improve public safety and deter aggressive speeding. This system aids law enforcement by simplifying fine calculations and reinforcing speed limit compliance.
| Condition | Fine Structure |
|---|---|
| Highways ≥ 65 mph | $20 or $5 per mph over limit (greater) |
| Lower speed zones | $20 or $3 per mph over limit (greater) |
| Excessive speeding (>16 mph) | Additional $20 |
| Construction zones | Minimum fine increased to $150 |
This approach balances penalties to target aggressive speeding and protect workers in construction zones across North Dakota.
Adjustments in Speed Limits Within City Areas
You’ll notice North Dakota is reducing speed limits in several city areas to improve safety where traffic is heavier.
This means slower zones in places like Dickinson, Grand Forks, and Medora, as well as extended lower limits around Bismarck, Fargo, and West Fargo.
These expanded slow zones aim to protect drivers and pedestrians by adjusting speeds in denser urban settings.
Reduced Urban Limits
While speed limits on rural interstates have increased to 80 mph, several urban areas in North Dakota have seen their limits reduced to improve safety.
In Dickinson, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Valley City, and Medora, the speed limit has dropped from 75 mph to 70 mph.
West Fargo’s limit is now set at 55 mph, extending to the Sheyenne Street exit.
Bismarck and Fargo already have lower urban interstate limits, which are now extended under new legislation focused on safety.
New signs reflecting these changes will be installed within two weeks to enforce updated speed limits effectively.
Expanded Slow Zones
Because urban areas have unique traffic patterns and safety concerns, expanded slow zones now adjust speed limits more precisely within city limits.
In North Dakota, speed limits will decrease from 75 mph to 70 mph in Dickinson, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Valley City, and Medora starting August 1, 2025.
Bismarck and Fargo’s existing lower limit zones are expanding, with Bismarck’s slower limit extending to Exit 161 and West Fargo’s 55 mph zone now including the Sheyenne Street exit.
Installation of new signage will begin on August 4, 2025, taking about two weeks to improve safety in these urban areas.
- You’ll notice safer driving conditions where speed limits are lowered.
- The new signage will clearly mark these expanded slow zones.
- Bismarck and Fargo residents will benefit from extended lower limit areas reducing risk.
Comparison of North Dakota’s Speed Limits With Neighboring States
You’ll notice North Dakota’s new 80 mph interstate speed limit matches those in South Dakota and Montana, reflecting a regional trend toward higher limits on these highways.
In contrast, Minnesota keeps a lower 70 mph limit on its rural interstates, highlighting different state approaches to speed and safety.
This variability stems from distinct traffic conditions and legislative priorities across neighboring states.
Interstate Speed Limits
North Dakota will raise its interstate speed limit to 80 mph starting August 1, 2025, matching the limits already set by South Dakota and Montana.
This change reflects regional traffic conditions and safety considerations, bringing North Dakota’s limits in line with neighboring states while remaining distinct from Minnesota’s 70 mph limit.
Before the increase, North Dakota’s limit was 75 mph.
- Imagine smoother, faster commutes across North Dakota’s vast highways
- Feel the alignment with regional traffic trends and neighboring states’ standards
- Acknowledge safety with improved fines encouraging compliance and caution
Regional Speed Variations
Eight states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana, have established 80 mph speed limits on their interstate highways, reflecting a growing regional trend toward higher maximum speeds in areas with suitable traffic and road conditions.
North Dakota’s new 80 mph interstate limit, effective August 1, 2025, aligns it with these neighboring states but contrasts with Minnesota’s 70 mph rural limit.
These variations result from differing traffic patterns, rural conditions, and safety priorities shaped by state legislation.
North Dakota balanced increased speed limits with stricter fines to address safety concerns within this regional context.
Safety Concerns and Impact on Traffic Incidents
Although higher speed limits can improve travel times, they significantly raise safety concerns by increasing the risk and severity of traffic incidents. In North Dakota, speed or aggressive driving contributed to about one-third of the 96 fatal crashes in 2023, and 1,427 injuries were linked to these factors.
With the new 80 mph speed limit taking effect in August 2025, drivers must recognize that increased speeds demand longer following distances for safe stopping. Vulnerable road users, including motorcycle riders and construction workers, face heightened risks as speed limits rise, which underscores the critical need for caution and adherence to traffic safety.
- Each 5 mph increase exponentially raises crash severity, putting lives at greater risk.
- Speeding-related crashes disproportionately endanger those without vehicle protection.
- Allowing insufficient following distances at high speed reduces reaction time dramatically.
Legislative Process Behind the Speed Limit Changes
While increasing the interstate speed limit to 80 mph, the North Dakota legislature crafted House Bill 1298 to balance improved traffic flow with safety concerns by raising fines and simplifying enforcement.
Signed by Governor Kelly Armstrong, the bill raises the interstate speed limit from 75 to 80 mph effective August 1, 2025. It introduces a streamlined fine structure for speeding violations to aid law enforcement and increases minimum fines in construction zones from $80 to $150 to bolster public safety.
The legislative process involved compromises reflecting concerns about speed, fines, and worker protection on North Dakota interstate highways.
State-by-State Speed Limit Laws: Speed Rules, Fines, and Penalties Explained
| Alabama | Alabama’s speed limits range from 25 mph in residential areas to 70 mph on interstates. The state uses absolute limits, with fines increasing by mph over and points added to the license. |
| Alaska | Alaska generally sets speed limits at 55–65 mph on highways and 25 mph in cities. It follows a basic speeding law, allowing tickets even below posted limits if conditions are unsafe. |
| Arizona | Arizona allows speeds up to 75 mph on rural freeways. The state enforces absolute speed limits, with fines, points, and possible suspension for excessive speeding. |
| Arkansas | Arkansas speed limits typically range from 25 mph in cities to 75 mph on interstates. Absolute limits apply, and violations result in fines and license points. |
| California | California’s maximum speed limit is 65–70 mph on highways. The state uses both absolute and basic speed laws, meaning drivers can be cited even under the posted limit if driving unsafely. |
| Colorado | Colorado allows speeds up to 75 mph on rural interstates. It enforces absolute limits, with higher penalties for speeds exceeding 25 mph over the limit. |
| Connecticut | Connecticut speed limits range from 25 mph in residential areas to 65 mph on highways. Absolute limits apply, with fines, points, and insurance impacts for violations. |
| Delaware | Delaware’s speed limits typically cap at 65 mph on highways. The state enforces absolute limits, issuing fines and points for each speeding offense. |
| Florida | Florida allows speeds up to 70 mph on interstates and 30 mph in cities. Absolute speed limits apply, with fines increasing as speed exceeds the limit. |
| Georgia | Georgia speed limits reach 70 mph on interstates and 30 mph in urban areas. Absolute limits apply, with Super Speeder penalties for excessive speeds. |
| Hawaii | Hawaii generally limits speeds to 25 mph in cities and 60 mph on highways. Absolute speed laws apply, with fines and points for violations. |
| Idaho | Idaho allows speeds up to 80 mph on rural interstates. The state enforces absolute limits, with fines and license points for speeding. |
| Illinois | Illinois speed limits range from 30 mph in cities to 70 mph on highways. Absolute limits apply, with higher penalties for construction zone violations. |
| Indiana | Indiana allows speeds up to 70 mph on interstates. Absolute speed limits apply, with fines, points, and potential suspension for repeat offenses. |
| Iowa | Iowa speed limits range from 25 mph in residential zones to 70 mph on highways. Absolute limits apply, with fines based on mph over the limit. |
| Kansas | Kansas allows speeds up to 75 mph on rural highways. The state enforces absolute speed limits with fines and license points. |
| Kentucky | Kentucky speed limits typically reach 70 mph on interstates. Absolute limits apply, and excessive speeding may result in suspension. |
| Louisiana | Louisiana speed limits range from 25 mph in cities to 75 mph on highways. Absolute speed laws apply, with fines and points added. |
| Maine | Maine allows speeds up to 75 mph on interstates. The state applies absolute speed limits, with fines increasing by mph over. |
| Maryland | Maryland speed limits typically cap at 65 mph. Absolute limits apply, and excessive speeding can trigger reckless driving charges. |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts speed limits range from 25 mph in thickly settled areas to 65 mph on highways. The state enforces absolute limits with fines and points. |
| Michigan | Michigan speed limits vary by vehicle type and roadway, reaching up to 75 mph. Absolute limits apply, with higher penalties for severe speeding. |
| Minnesota | Minnesota allows speeds up to 70 mph on highways. The state enforces absolute limits, issuing fines and points for violations. |
| Mississippi | Mississippi speed limits range from 30 mph in cities to 70 mph on highways. Absolute limits apply, with fines and license points. |
| Missouri | Missouri allows speeds up to 70 mph on interstates. Absolute speed limits apply, with fines and points assessed. |
| Montana | Montana allows speeds up to 80 mph on rural interstates. The state uses absolute limits, with steep penalties for excessive speeding. |
| Nebraska | Nebraska speed limits range from 25 mph in cities to 75 mph on highways. Absolute limits apply, with fines based on speed over. |
| Nevada | Nevada allows speeds up to 80 mph on rural interstates. Absolute speed laws apply, with higher fines for major violations. |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire generally limits speeds to 55–65 mph. The state applies absolute speed limits with fines and possible suspension. |
| New Jersey | New Jersey speed limits range from 25 mph in residential areas to 65 mph on highways. Absolute limits apply with points and fines. |
| New Mexico | New Mexico allows speeds up to 75 mph on highways. Absolute speed laws apply, with enhanced penalties for excessive speeding. |
| New York | New York’s default speed limit is 55 mph unless posted. Absolute limits apply, with points, fines, and possible suspension. |
| North Carolina | North Carolina speed limits reach 70 mph on highways. The state enforces absolute limits, with steep penalties for speeds 15+ mph over. |
| Ohio | Ohio speed limits range from 25 mph in cities to 70 mph on highways. Absolute limits apply, with fines and points assessed. |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma allows speeds up to 75 mph on highways. Absolute limits apply, and extreme speeding may result in jail time. |
| Oregon | Oregon speed limits range from 25 mph in cities to 70 mph on rural highways. The state applies absolute limits with escalating fines. |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania allows speeds up to 70 mph. Absolute speed limits apply, with fines and points added for violations. |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island speed limits typically cap at 65 mph. Absolute limits apply, with fines and possible suspension. |
| South Carolina | South Carolina allows speeds up to 70 mph on interstates. Absolute speed laws apply with fines and points. |
| South Dakota | South Dakota allows speeds up to 80 mph. Absolute limits apply, with fines and license points. |
| Tennessee | Tennessee speed limits reach 70 mph. Absolute speed limits apply, with enhanced penalties for high-speed violations. |
| Texas | Texas allows speeds up to 85 mph on select highways. Absolute limits apply, with fines and license consequences. |
| Utah | Utah speed limits reach 80 mph on rural interstates. Absolute limits apply, with fines and points. |
| Vermont | Vermont’s speed limit is usually 50 mph unless posted. The state applies absolute limits and a basic speeding law. Fines run $5–$24 per mph over, with points and possible suspension. |
| Virginia | Virginia’s maximum speed is 70 mph. Driving 20 mph over or above 85 mph is reckless driving, carrying criminal penalties. |
| Washington | Washington speed limits range from 25 mph in cities to 70 mph on highways. Absolute limits apply, with fines and points. |
| West Virginia | West Virginia allows speeds up to 70 mph. Absolute limits apply, with fines and possible suspension for repeat offenses. |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin speed limits range from 25 mph in cities to 70 mph on highways. Absolute limits apply, with fines and points. |
| Wyoming | Wyoming allows speeds up to 80 mph on interstates. Absolute limits apply, with enhanced penalties for excessive speeding. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Can You Go Over the Speed Limit in North Dakota?
You can exceed speed limits in North Dakota but face speeding consequences and legal repercussions enforced by radar and speed limit signs. Safe driving practices and adherence to highway regulations guarantee driving safety and minimize traffic violations.
Is the ND Speed Limit 80?
Yes, North Dakota’s interstate speed limit is now 80 mph effective August 1, 2025, reflecting speed limit changes that consider highway safety, traffic regulations, and driver awareness. Speed enforcement and speed monitoring have tightened, with increased legal penalties to match vehicle performance and road conditions, boosting public awareness about safe driving at higher speeds.
How Far Above the Speed Limit Can You Legally Go?
You cannot legally exceed the speed limit in North Dakota; driving even 1 mph over risks speeding penalties enforced by law enforcement. Public awareness and driving regulations emphasize traffic safety due to road conditions and accident statistics, especially on rural roadways. Speed limit signs mark the legal maximum, and violations carry legal consequences to protect overall traffic safety. Construction zones and excessive speeding increase fines significantly, reflecting heightened risks and enforcement priorities.
What’s the Speed Limit on I-94 in North Dakota?
The speed limit on I-94 in North Dakota is 80 mph outside city limits starting August 1, 2025, with some areas like Dickinson and Valley City reduced to 70 mph. Speed limit signs are being updated, but enforcement begins on the effective date. Adhere to driving regulations and road safety measures to avoid traffic violation penalties during interstate driving. Highway travel tips emphasize safe driving practices given the adjusted limits and ongoing sign replacements on North Dakota highways.
Conclusion
Get ready to hit the gas, because North Dakota just blasted its interstate speed limits to 80 mph—faster than a rocket on a runway—starting August 1, 2025. But beware: if you dare zoom past these new limits, the fines jump like a lion on prey, especially in construction zones and cities. This isn’t a free-for-all; it’s a high-stakes race where speed thrills meet strict penalties designed to keep everyone alive on the asphalt jungle.
