DailyTimeCapsule brief
December 9, 1995
On December 9, 1995, Montana became the first state to lift speed limits on its highways following a decision by the U.S. government to deregulate speed limits nationwide. This move allowed Montana to revert to its previous policy of no enforced speed limit, which had been in place before the 1974 national speed limit law was reinstated during an oil crisis. As the rest of the nation grappled with various speed limits ranging from 55 to 65 mph, Montanans embraced this newfound freedom on the open roads, igniting a national conversation about driver safety and personal responsibility. This decision was contextualized by a growing sentiment across America advocating for less government intervention in personal choices, reflecting a broader movement toward deregulation and individual liberties during the 1990s.
Key developments
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As of today, Montana has become the first state in over two decades to eliminate daytime speed limits, allowing drivers to travel without mandatory constraints during daylight hours. Trooper Mitch Tuttle marked this historic day by pulling over a vehicle traveling at 92 miles per hour on Interstate 15, reflecting the potential consequences of the new policy. The state government aims to assess the impact of this decision on road safety and driver behavior in the coming months.
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Montana has officially lifted its daytime speed limit for the first time in over two decades, allowing motorists to drive at their discretion. On this historic day, Trooper Mitch Tuttle made a high-speed traffic stop on Interstate 15, pulling over a vehicle traveling at 92 miles per hour. This change reflects a unique state policy allowing for upper maximum speeds, with past regulations aimed at mitigating reckless driving while encouraging responsible driving behavior.
