Speed limits vary significantly across the United States, with some states allowing drivers to travel at speeds exceeding 80 MPH. Texas is well known for having the highest posted speed limit in the country at 85 MPH, but what about Colorado?

Are there any roads in the Centennial State where drivers can legally hit speeds this high? This article explores Colorado’s speed regulations, the reasons behind them, and whether an 85 MPH limit could be in the state’s future.

What Is the Maximum Speed Limit in Colorado?

As of now, Colorado’s highest posted speed limit is 75 MPH. This applies to select sections of interstate highways and rural roads, including portions of I-25, I-70, and I-76. Unlike Texas, Colorado does not have any roads where the limit exceeds 75 MPH, meaning there are no legal roads with an 85 MPH speed limit in the state.

Why Doesn’t Colorado Have an 85 MPH Speed Limit?

There are several reasons why Colorado has not adopted an 85 MPH speed limit on any of its roadways:

1. Safety Concerns – Research indicates that higher speed limits correlate with increased accident severity. The faster a vehicle moves, the longer it takes to stop, making accidents more dangerous and fatal.
2. Geographic Challenges – Colorado’s mountainous terrain presents unique road hazards, including sharp turns, steep inclines, and unpredictable weather. Higher speeds could increase the risk of crashes in these areas.
3. Infrastructure Limitations – To support higher speeds, highways must be designed with wider lanes, reinforced barriers, and extended merging zones. Many of Colorado’s roadways were not built to handle speeds beyond 75 MPH.
4. Legislative Barriers – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and state lawmakers would need to approve an increase. So far, no bills or proposals have been introduced to raise the limit to 85 MPH.

How Does Colorado Compare to Neighboring States?

Although Colorado does not have an 85 MPH speed limit, nearby states have varying regulations:

• Utah: Allows up to 80 MPH on some interstate highways.
• Wyoming: Also permits 80 MPH on certain stretches of road.
• Kansas and Nebraska: Both have a maximum speed limit of 75 MPH, the same as Colorado.
• New Mexico: Some highways permit speeds up to 75 MPH.

If you’re driving through the Rocky Mountain region, you won’t find any roads legally allowing 85 MPH, even in Colorado’s neighboring states.

Could Colorado Raise Its Speed Limit in the Future?

There have been discussions about increasing Colorado’s highway speed limits, especially on rural interstates where congestion is low. Advocates argue that:

• Modern vehicles have advanced safety features, such as automatic braking and lane-keeping assistance, making higher speeds safer.
• Many drivers already exceed posted limits, so raising the speed limit to 80 or 85 MPH would reflect real-world driving behavior.
• Higher speed limits could improve traffic flow, reducing congestion in some areas.

However, opponents cite concerns about accident risks, increased fuel consumption, and higher road maintenance costs. Given these challenges, no official proposals have been introduced to raise the speed limit beyond 75 MPH in Colorado.

What Happens If You Drive 85 MPH in Colorado?

Since Colorado’s highest speed limit is 75 MPH, driving at 85 MPH is considered speeding. The severity of the penalty depends on how much you exceed the limit:

• Less than 10 MPH over: Typically results in a minor fine.
• 10-19 MPH over: Can lead to a larger fine and points on your driving record.
• 20+ MPH over: May be classified as reckless driving, leading to heavier fines, license points, and possible license suspension.

To avoid penalties and ensure road safety, always adhere to posted speed limits and adjust your speed based on road and weather conditions.

The Debate Over Higher Speed Limits

Discussions about raising Colorado’s speed limits continue, with arguments both for and against:

Arguments in Favor of Raising the Speed Limit

• Safer Vehicles: Many cars today come with adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and stability control, making high-speed driving less dangerous.
• Realistic Driving Patterns: Many drivers already exceed the 75 MPH limit, making an increase more reflective of actual road behavior.
• Economic Benefits: Higher speed limits could improve travel efficiency, especially for truckers and long-distance commuters.

Arguments Against Raising the Speed Limit

• Increased Fatalities: Studies show that higher speed limits lead to more severe accidents and fatalities.
• Greater Fuel Consumption: Vehicles use more fuel at higher speeds, making an increase environmentally and economically costly.
• Road Maintenance Costs: Faster speeds result in greater road wear and tear, leading to higher repair and maintenance expenses.

Conclusion

Despite some states allowing higher speed limits, Colorado has not followed suit. The maximum posted speed remains 75 MPH, with no current efforts to raise it to 80 or 85 MPH. Safety concerns, infrastructure challenges, and legislative barriers have kept Colorado’s speed limits in line with national standards. While future discussions may continue, no official changes are in progress at this time.

For more details on Colorado’s traffic laws and speed limits, visit the Colorado Department of Transportation at codot.gov

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