Section 602 – Speed limits established on state highways.

• (1)
  • (a) The Department of Transportation shall determine the reasonable and safe speed limit for each highway or section of highway under its jurisdiction.
  • (b) For each highway or section of highway, each speed limit shall be based on a traffic engineering and safety study consistent with the requirements and recommendations in the most current version of the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.”
  • (c) The traffic engineering and safety studies shall include:
    • (i) the design speed;
    • (ii) prevailing vehicle speeds;
    • (iii) accident history;
    • (iv) highway, traffic, and roadside conditions; and
    • (v) other highway safety factors.

• (2) The Department of Transportation may establish different speed limits on a highway or section of highway based on:
  • (a) time of day;
  • (b) highway construction;
  • (c) type of vehicle;
  • (d) weather conditions; and
  • (e) other highway safety factors.

• (3)
  • (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b) and (c), a posted speed limit may not exceed 65 miles per hour.
  • (b) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(c), a posted speed limit on a freeway or other limited access highway may not exceed 75 miles per hour.
  • (c)
    • (i) The Department of Transportation may establish a posted speed limit on a freeway or other limited access highway that exceeds the maximum speed limit in Subsection (3)(b) if the speed limit is based on a highway traffic engineering and safety study.
    • (ii) If the Department of Transportation establishes a posted speed limit that exceeds the limit under Subsection (3)(b), the Department of Transportation shall evaluate the results and impacts of increasing a speed limit under this Subsection (3)(c).
  • (d) This Subsection (3) is an exception to the provisions of Subsections (1) and (2).

• (4) When establishing or changing a speed limit, the Department of Transportation shall consult with the following entities prior to erecting or changing a speed limit sign:
  • (a) the county for state highways in an unincorporated area of the county;
  • (b) the municipality for state highways within the municipality’s incorporated area;
  • (c) the Department of Public Safety; and
  • (d) the Transportation Commission.

• (5) The speed limit is effective when appropriate signs giving notice are erected along the highway or section of the highway.

Amended by Chapter 42, 2022 General Session