Ohio speed limit moves into the fast lane
WARREN, Ohio - Beginning July 1, Ohio's speed limit is going up to 70-miles-per-hour on some highways.
While Governor Kasich has signed the new speed limit into law, there are still some unanswered questions.
At this point, the Ohio Department of Transportation says they still have not determined what highways in the Mahoning Valley will be designated rural interstates, allowing for that increase in speed.
The new law increases the speed limit from 65 to 70 miles-per-hour on interstates outside of urban areas. Law enforcement has opposed the need for increased speed in the past, but did not fight it this time.
"No matter what the speed limit is, we're still going to be out there. We're still going to be visible, we're still going to be enforcing the speed limits no matter what they are. No matter what road people are on," says Sergeant William Bancroft with the Warren Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Ohio will now join bordering states, except for Pennsylvania, that also have a 70 mile-per-hour speed limit.
Law enforcement officials say no matter what the law says, there are always those who will push the limits.
"They're always in a hurry. They're not thinking about what the consequences are if they do speed, or if they do go out of control," Sergeant Bancroft says.
A spokesperson with the Ohio Department of Transportation tells 21 News that they have not yet determined what classifies as a rural interstate that would allow for the new 70 mile-per hour speed limit.
Bancroft tells 21 News, "I don't think any roads in Trumbull County will be 70 miles an hour. I think it's going to be the turnpike west of Warren, and interstate 76 between basically the turnpike and Akron."
The new law also allows motorists to drive 60 miles-per-hour on all two-lane highways outside of city limits. But there is also an expected decrease in speed on interstates in congested areas.
The law says that congested zones will be identified and the speed limit will be reduced in those areas to 55 miles-per-hour.
So buckle up, as Ohio moves into the fast lane come July 1.
