Bill to boost maximum speed limit to 80 mph advances
CARSON CITY — The Nevada Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would raise the speed limit to 80 mph on some freeways and highways if the Department of Transportation deems it is safe.
Senate Bill 2, sponsored by state Sen. Don Gustavson, R-Sparks, would authorize the agency to raise the limit from 75 mph. The higher speed limits are permitted only on certain divided freeways and interstates.
The original bill sought to increase the speed limit to 85 mph in designated areas, but the final speed was lowered as a compromise with critics who argued it was too fast and too dangerous.
Police agencies and transportation officials opposed the bill because of safety concerns.
The measure now moves to the Assembly.
Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901. Find her on Twitter: @SandraChereb.