By Luke Tucker for WBTV

A bipartisan group of lawmakers proposed increasing the maximum speed limit in North Carolina this week.

A bill was filed in the North Carolina House of Representatives on Wednesday, Feb. 12. That bill called for raising the maximum speed limit from 70 mph to 75 mph.

The proposed increase would apply to roadways that are part of the Interstate Highway System, or are toll roads.

If the bill were to pass, that does not necessarily mean that all interstate speed limits would be raised to 75 mph, it just means the Department of Transportation would have the right to do so if it is deemed “reasonable and safe” by an engineering and traffic study.

While the bill was only just drawn up and has a long way to go in the legislative progress, no speed limit increases would take effect until after new signage is put up notifying drivers. That of course would only happen if the bill is passed.

Legislative records showed that eight representatives signed on as sponsors of the bill. Of those eight representatives, six are Republicans and two are Democrats. One of the eight sponsors is Rep. Nasif Majeed, whose district covers a northeastern section of the Queen City and includes UNC Charlotte.

The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation. Rep. Brian Biggs, who is one of the bill’s eight co-sponsors, is part of that committee.

At least 18 states have maximum speed limits of 75 mph or more, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The preceding article originally appeared on February 14, 2025 at WBTV’s website and is made available here for educational purposes only.This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Title 17 U.S.C. section 106A-117 of the U.S. Copyright Law. Any views or opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Carolina Leadership Coalition.