Requires posted speed limit on certain limited access highways be based on speed at which 85 percent of vehicles are traveling; designated as Speed Limit Sanity Act.
Impact
The proposed legislation will notably alter how speed limits are set across New Jersey. By requiring that speed limits are established based on empirical traffic data, the bill seeks to eliminate excessively low speed limits that could lead to unnecessary enforcement actions against drivers. The law calls for speed surveys to be conducted within four months of enactment and mandates re-evaluation of speed limits at least once every ten years or after significant changes to the highways. It also stipulates that the DOT publish the speed limit data and survey methodologies online, promoting transparency.
Summary
Senate Bill S2497, known as the Speed Limit Sanity Act, mandates that the posted speed limits on eligible limited access highways in New Jersey should be determined based on the speed of 85 percent of vehicles traveling on those roads. This is grounded in traffic engineering principles, with an aim to ensure that speed limits reflect actual traveling conditions, thereby enhancing road safety. The bill outlines that speed limits will need to be set based on traffic engineering studies that are required to be conducted by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) and other transportation authorities.
Contention
While supporters of S2497 argue that aligning speed limits with actual traffic patterns will improve safety and compliance, critics may raise concerns over how these changes could be implemented practically across various jurisdictions. Issues may arise regarding public perception of speed limits that may be perceived as too high, even if based on traffic studies. Additionally, the bill repeals previous regulations from the Sixty-Five MPH Speed Limit Implementation Act, thereby potentially creating friction with those who advocate for stricter speed enforcement, especially in high-traffic urban areas.
Carry Over
Requires posted speed limit on certain limited access highways be based on speed at which 85 percent of vehicles are traveling; designated as Speed Limit Sanity Act.