Only months removed from boosting speeds for large trucks, Illinois state
lawmakers are looking at letting all drivers on many interstates go a little
faster. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association would prefer that
lawmakers first focus on eliminating speed limit differentials on remaining
interstates not affected by the 2009 law.
The Senate Executive Committee has voted 7-5 to advance a bill to the full
Senate that would raise the speed limit to 70 mph on rural interstate highways.
Cook and the “collar” counties surrounding Chicago would be exempt from the rule
change sought in SB3668.
The current 65 mph limit on rural stretches of interstate was signed into law
by Gov. Pat Quinn last summer. It took effect Jan. 1. Up until then, large
trucks were limited to 55 mph.
Sen. Dale Risinger, R-Peoria, the bill’s sponsor, would like to see Illinois
follow in the footsteps of states, including Iowa and Missouri, where 70 mph
speeds for all vehicles are already allowed. In all, about 30 states permit all
vehicles to travel 70 mph.