Bill Description: House Bill 664 would remove the requirement that large trucks travel 10mph below the regular speed limit. 

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Does it directly or indirectly create or increase penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes? Conversely, does it eliminate or decrease penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes?

Section 49-654, Idaho Code, which is related to speed limits, contains a subsection that says, “For vehicles with five (5) or more axles operating at a gross weight of more than twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds, the maximum lawful speed limit on interstate highways in nonurban areas shall not exceed ten (10) miles per hour less for vehicles with less than five (5) axles and operating at a gross weight of twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds or less, and in urban areas the maximum lawful speed limit on interstate highways for such vehicles shall not exceed sixty-five (65) miles per hour.”

House Bill 664 would amend this subsection to say that for such vehicles, “the maximum lawful speed limits on interstate highways, in nonurban areas, in urban areas, on state highways, or in other locations shall be the same as for vehicles with less than five (5) axles and operating at a gross weight of twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds or less.”

While it might be simpler to remove the subsection entirely, the effect of removing differential speed limits is positive. Not only does it reduce the likelihood of drivers who are just keeping up with the flow of traffic receiving a citation, but it also allows for traffic to flow more effectively, which is ultimately safer for all drivers.

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