Indiana Bill Would Increase Speed Limit for Heavy Trucks and Semis

Indiana Senate Bill 13 would raise the speed limit for large trucks and semis on state highways.

Hit the Highway

Most Indiana highways have a posted speed limit of 70 miles per hour for passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs, but for larger vehicles like semis, the speed limit is 65 miles per hour. A new bill would change that speed limit.

Senate Bill 13

Senate Bill 13, authored by Indiana Republican Senators Jim Tomes and Mark Messmer, would raise the speed limit for heavy trucks and semis to match that of other motorists. The bill had its first reading on January 9, 2023, and at that time was referred to the Committee of Homeland Security and Transportation for review. The bill reads in part,

Increases themaximum speed limit for a vehicle having a declared gross weightgreater than 26,000 pounds from 65 miles per hour to 70 miles per hourwhen the vehicle is operated on a highway that is: (1) on the nationalsystem of interstate and defense highways located outside an urbanizedarea with a population of at least 50,000; or (2) the responsibility of theIndiana finance authority.

Yay or Nay

According to WBAA.org, those in favor of the bill believe that raising the speed limit for semi-drivers will create safer road conditions for all motorists. Those opposed argue that it is not slower semis, but rather faster passenger vehicles that create safety concerns and increased risk of accidents.

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On to the House

Senate Bill 13 was passed with a highly favorable vote. It now moves on to the Indiana House of Representatives for another vote. If the bill passes into law, it would go into effect beginning July 1, 2023.

[Source: iga.in.gov]