Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe recently signed SB 1408, which will increase the maximum speed limit on rural interstates from 70 to 75 mph. The change did not sit well with some Missouri residents, who argued that it could lead to more traffic accidents.
As reported by KOMU, the bill, sponsored by Sen. Jamie Burger and Rep. John Voss, both Republicans, raises the speed limit on certain freeways and interstates in Missouri. An earlier version of the bill included eliminating Kansas City Chiefs specialty license plates, but that provision was removed before the legislation was approved.
The new law will take effect on August 28, 2026. Despite the change, cities, towns, and villages will still be able to set their own speed limits within their jurisdictions, provided the new limits are approved by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.
Missouri Residents Are Not Sure Raising Speed Limits Is a Good Idea
Some Missouri residents expressed concerns about their safety following the law’s approval. On Reddit’s r/Missouri, one user commented: “I know how Missourans drive. This is: No Bueno.” Someone else was more blunt about what they expected would happen: “More killings on the roadways.”
One of the main concerns raised by residents was that not all vehicles are capable of reaching 70 mph, which they argued could create dangerous speed differences between vehicles. One person said: “Here’s an issue: most semi-tractor-trailer combos can’t do 70 as it is. There will be more conflicts and accidents.” Someone else commented: “I’ve got an old Mercedes that doesn’t go faster than 75, and it’s already terrifying to drive on highways.”
However, some people were unconcerned about the change: “Like the speed limit mattered in Rural interstates. I mean, it did if they spotted a camping Highway Patrol car. Otherwise, it’s pedal to the floor.”
Others shared that view, saying: “While 75 will increase the average speed people drive, it won’t automatically translate into everyone doing 5 more than what they were before. People that were driving 80 aren’t necessarily going to go 85 now. Drivers organically gravitate to the speed at which they are comfortable.”
It remains to be seen what effect the higher speed limit will have on the number of traffic accidents in Missouri, but for now, drivers can only do their part by driving safely.
