Georgia Lawmakers Want to Increase Minimum Speed Limit, Fine Drivers for Going Too Slow on Highways
Georgia’s Department of Public Safety wants to increase the state’s minimum highway speed limit by 10 mph, and fine those who go too slow. They claim the increase in speed on Georgia’s highways will improve safety and reduce congestion.
In support of a bill submitted to the Georgia House of Representatives, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Col. William Hitchens, wrote, “Our agency has seen several crashes that have occurred due to slow-moving vehicles on roads through the state. Driving below the speed limit can, in some cases, be as dangerous as traveling above the posted speed limit. Vehicles that are traveling below the minimum speed can cause traffic issues, such as long backups, and cause motorists to take evasive actions due to approaching the vehicle faster than expected.”
Currently in Georgia, where the posted speed limit is 65 mph or higher, the minimum speed allowed is 40 mph. The bill would increase it to 50 mph.
“I want to limit the number of rear-end collisions,” said state Rep. John Carson, told the Savannah Morning News. “I’ve received fatality reports … It’s horrific.”
Carson also pointed out that while Georgia’s maximum highway speeds have climbed from 55 mph to up to 70 mph, the minimum speed allowed has remained unchanged.
Not everyone wants to raise the minimum speed limit on Georgia highways
Not all lawmakers in Georgia think raising the minimum speed on highways is a great idea. State Rep. Rhonda Taylor worries how a higher minimum speed limit will affect senior citizens and student drivers.
“It would be a better solution … (to) move to the right,” said Taylor. “It almost feels like I’m being penalized because I can’t drive 50 miles an hour.”
If the bill passes, it is the citizens of Georgia that will be penalized if they are driving too slowly on the highway. Penalties for violating the minimum speed law can be up to $1,000, but courts usually set them between $100 and $200.
On the plus side for opponents of the bill, it could be worse. In Arizona, State Rep. Nick Kupper introduced legislation that would permit unrestricted speed zones for non-commercial vehicles during daylight hours. In other words, he wants parts of the interstate in Arizona to become like Germany’s autobahn.
