The U.S. state of Arizona is considering the complete removal of speed limits on certain stretches of interstate highways.
The proposal was introduced by state representative Nick Kupper and aims to create “restricted speed zones” on certain rural interstate highways across the state.
Called the Reasonable and Prudent Interstate Driving (RAPID) Act, the bill would eliminate mandatory daytime speed limits on highways in rural areas with populations under 50,000.
Speed limits would revert to 80 miles per hour (128 km/h) at night, which is still 5 mph (8 km/h) faster than Arizona’s current speed limits. Commercial vehicles would be restricted to 80 mph at all times.
Before the bill is approved, lawmakers are proposing a pilot project. In this scenario, a stretch of Interstate 8 between Casa Grande and Yuma would be designated a “restricted speed zone” for one year to see if it affects accident rates.
“Naturally, your first inclination is: ‘This is crazy – you’re going to kill people.’ However, the data proves otherwise. And I want to run this pilot program to show that we can actually do this and save lives,” Kupper told the Arizona Capitol Times.
Under the new bill, large stretches of Interstates 10, 17, 19, and 40, as well as a segment of I-15 that crosses the northwest corner of Arizona, would also be designated as “restricted speed zones.”
The bill is expected to reach the Arizona legislative session in 2026. If passed, Arizona would be the only U.S. state with unrestricted speed limits on certain road segments.
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