Missouri’s 75 mph law starts Aug. 28 — but don’t speed up yet

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s new law allowing speed limits of up to 75 mph on rural interstates takes effect Aug. 28, but the Missouri Department of Transportation says drivers should not expect any immediate changes.

MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger said the department is still reviewing rural stretches of interstate to determine where a higher speed limit would be reasonably safe. Until new signs are installed, the current posted speed limit remains the law.

“On Aug. 28, there’s not a desire to say, well, now we can drive faster,” Hassinger said. “It still will always be what’s posted on the sign.”

Rural portions of Interstate 44 and Interstate 49 are among the highways being evaluated. MoDOT is considering traffic volume, truck traffic, terrain, crash history and roadway design before making any changes.

Hassinger said metropolitan areas, including stretches around Joplin and Springfield, are expected to remain at their current limits.

Construction will also play a major role. Hassinger said areas of I-44 under active construction generally will not be evaluated until that work is complete because lower work-zone speed limits already apply. Interstate 70 will also remain unchanged during its ongoing rebuild and expansion.

MoDOT is also looking at speed limits in neighboring states. Hassinger said that includes the Oklahoma side of I-44, where higher limits are already in place.

The department’s goal is to finish its review and install any new speed limit signs by the end of the year.

Until then, Hassinger said the message for drivers is simple: Follow the number on the sign.