Legislators vote to raise speed limits
By Robin Hertel
RICHMOND – A proposal to increase highway speed limits from 65 mph to 70 mph in rural and less populated areas of Virginia is cruising through the General Assembly.
On Tuesday, the House and Senate each passed versions of the legislation, which had been requested by Gov. Bob McDonnell
“This slight increase in our speed limit will be safe for motorists and help get Virginians to their destinations a little quicker each day,” McDonnell said. “This is an important early step towards our common goal of improving transportation in the commonwealth.”
The House bill, HB 856, is being carried by Delegate Bill Carrico, R-Galax. The House voted 71-26 for the proposal.
The Senate bill, SB 537, is being sponsored by Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg. It cleared the Senate, 29-11.
The bills are identical. Each bill still must be voted on by the other chamber before being sent to McDonnell for his signature.
“This is a common-sense reform that will make sure highway traffic moves at a more uniform speed on Virginia’s highways,” Carrico said.
Newman said Virginia would join 33 other states that have increased their speed limits above 65 mph.