Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 1408 into law, raising the maximum speed limit on eligible rural, four-lane highways and interstates (I-35, I-44, I-55, and I-70) from 70 to 75 mph. The law takes effect on August 28, 2026. Provisions to eliminate vehicle safety inspections were stripped from the final bill to secure approval, meaning current state inspection rules remain in place.
Speed Limit Changes
- New Limit: 75 mph maximum on eligible rural stretches.
- Applicable Highways: Portions of Interstates 35, 44, 55, and 70.
- Exclusions: Urban areas and zones where posted limits are already below 70 mph will not change.
- Effective Date: August 28, 2026.
Commentary
So, we are catching up with Kansas, who has raised it’s Interstate speed limits outside of the Kansas City Metro Area. And why not? Everyone is already driving 75 to 80 mph in the 70 mph zones. Just raise that ‘ten over’ habit to 80 to 85 mph now.
Interestingly enough, there was a change to Missouri Vechile Inspections Law that was removed from the bill in order to get the speed limit change to pass. I might have to check that out and see what they had up their sleeves.
