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As of today, August 1st, North Dakota’s interstate speed limit has risen to 80 mph, aside from the areas directly outside Jamestown, Dickinson, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Valley City, and Medora. Slow zones already exist outside Bismarck and Fargo, but they are expanding. Drivers shouldn’t expect to see updated signage until Monday, but higher speeds are legal as of Friday.
With this change, expect stricter speeding enforcement. North Dakota motorists are generally aware that historically, around 5 mph over the speed limit was somewhat permissible. However, with this speed limit update, North Dakota Highway Patrol troopers were informed that the usual 5 mph elbow-room is now down to 2 mph, according to WDAY. With enforcement tightening up, speeding fines also increase, especially in construction zones where penalties jump from $80 to $150 when workers are present. There is a $20 minimum fine, with an additional $5 for every mile per hour over the speed limit. Anything more than 15 mph over the limit will also include an additional $20 fee.
Old white guys in South Dakota tried their hand at the boys who cried wolf, too.
I set my cruise at 84 from day 1, and drive right by radar traps (67-68 in 65 zones around Sioux Falls.). If they stop all of the 82-84 drivers, the 87-95 drivers go by while they are writing the ticket.
Both Dakotas have so few police, they don’t dare miss the real ticket thst means more money. North Dakota will almost certainly include no seat belt cash increase. Sprinkle in some texting and….
Really 2 mph? The reason police allowed a 5 mph over the speed limit was because most vehicles do not have a certified calibrated speedometer. There is a variance of +/- 2-3 mph. Also, the manufacture of the law enforcement speed gun more than likely has a +/- 3 mph noted on the specification page of the user manual.