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North Dakota Steps Up Speed Enforcement Amid Rise in ‘Excessive’ Speeds on Roads

By Payton Gall Jul 9, 2025 | 3:31 PM

North Dakota law enforcement is conducting increased speed patrols through August 4th as part of the state’s “Speeding Slows You Down” campaign, just weeks before interstate speed limits increase to 80 mph.

Sergeant Jon Skalicky of the North Dakota Highway Patrol tells KSJB that officers have noticed a troubling trend of extremely high speeds in recent times. “We’ve definitely seen more excessive speed,” he explained. “I can’t say that speeding in general has gone up or down, but it’s more and more often we’re seeing the really high speeds.” Speeding was a factor in 25% of North Dakota’s fatal crashes in 2023, making education and enforcement crucial.

The campaign hopes to address safety concerns before the August 1st speed limit increase from 75 to 80 mph on interstates. However, metro areas including Jamestown will see reduced limits of 70 mph to account for heavier traffic and merging patterns.

Skalicky noted that speed limits apply only under ideal conditions. “Just because the speed limit is going to be 80, when it’s the middle of February with terrible winters and roadways, people have to use good judgment,” he said.

The state is also studying variable speed limits for future implementation, which could dynamically adjust speeds based on conditions like crashes or weather, potentially using digital signs.

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