Legislator to Propose Higher Speed Limits

The chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee said Wednesday that he will introduce legislation to raise California’s highway speed limits to 65 or 70 m.p.h.

“It is time that the law reflect the sentiments and driving habits of state motorists, advanced freeway design standards and the improved safety characteristics of motor vehicles using state highways,” said state Sen. Quentin L. Kopp, (I-San Francisco).

Kopp made his announcement after the U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to scrap federal limits of 55 m.p.h. in urban areas and 65 m.p.h. in rural areas. He said his legislation would be contingent on removal of federal limits to prevent California from being penalized by the loss of federal highway funds.