JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Driving a little faster in Mississippi may soon come without the worry of seeing police lights in your rear view mirror.
"Time is money. People are in a hurry. We just want to make people legal," said Representative Johnny Stringer.
Stringer, a democrat from Montrose, authored a bill which passed the full house overwhelmingly. If it becomes law, speed limits in Mississippi would go from 70 miles an hour, to 75.
The state's three transportation commissioners would be given the authority to raise the limits but would first have to assess infrastructure and make the decision as to which roadways get the increase.
"They'll take their engineers, their professionals to go out and see what roads they can raise it to 75 but you know, most roads that are 70 now would probably go to 75," said Stringer.
In Mississippi, that means the state's major interstates and possibly a few limited-access highways. Currently, 16 state's have already increased speed limits to 75 with Texas bumping the limit up to 85.
Stringer says raising the limit puts Mississippi in line with those neighboring states and should accelerate others to follow suit.
"If we pass it, Alabama will probably raise theirs also," said Stringer.
Stringer says he would have entertained the idea sooner but the federal government wouldn't let the state raise the limits without loosing federal money. That restriction is now gone and Stringer says it's time for Mississippi to shift into high gear.
The bill is now pending action in the senate. Representatives from the highway patrol won't comment on pending legislation but do say whatever is passed from the legislature will be enforced.
Copyright 2012 MSNewsNow. All rights reserved.
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
