Boost in Speed Limit Whizzes Past Assembly

SACRAMENTO —  The Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly approved legislation to allow the maximum speed limit to be raised to 65 m.p.h. on more than 1,200 miles of rural stretches of interstate highways.

Despite a warning it could lead to increased highway deaths, a bipartisan 58-7 vote sent the bill, by Transportation Committee Chairman Richard Katz (D-Sepulveda), to the Senate.

Quick passage is expected there soon after the Legislature returns from Easter Week recess on April 20.

Gov. George Deukmejian, a strong supporter of boosting the speed limit to 65 m.p.h. on rural highways, is expected to sign the bill. The California Highway Patrol also supports the legislation.

Katz said he hopes that the speed limit can be raised on the rural highways as early as “sometime in mid-May.”

The legislation was prompted by passage of a federal highway spending bill that gives states the authority to increase the speed limit.

“California drivers voted with their gas pedals a long time ago that 65 m.p.h. was the appropriate speed in California,” Katz said. “I am trying to implement the 65-m.p.h. speed limit where it is safe to do so. This bill does just that.”