North Dakota drivers will soon be able to travel faster on the state’s interstates — but those caught speeding will also face steeper fines.
Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed legislation on Monday officially raising the interstate speed limit to 80 mph, aligning North Dakota with neighboring South Dakota and Montana. The new limit will take effect on August 1.
“This bill strikes a reasonable balance by aligning North Dakota’s interstate speed limit with two of our three neighboring states and increasing fines as a deterrent to speeding,” Armstrong said in a statement following the bill’s signing.
Minnesota remains the only neighboring state with a maximum speed limit of 70 mph.
A similar proposal to raise the speed limit was vetoed in 2023 by then-Gov. Doug Burgum. This year’s legislation, House Bill 1298, not only increases the top speed on interstates but also overhauls how speeding fines are calculated across all roads in the state.
New Speeding Fine Structure:
- Highways with speed limits of 65 mph or higher:
Drivers will face either a flat $20 fine or $5 for every mile per hour over the limit — whichever is greater. - Slower speed zones:
The fine will be either $20 or $3 for every mile per hour over the limit — whichever is greater. - Excessive speeding:
Going more than 16 mph over the posted speed limit adds an extra $20 to the fine. - Construction zones with workers present:
The additional fine for speeding doubles from $80 to $150.
The legislation passed on Friday as the North Dakota Legislature concluded its 2025 session. State officials hope the new speed limits and fine structure will improve traffic flow while discouraging dangerous driving behaviors.
