SEMI SPEED LIMIT INCREASES AFTER NEW YEAR
Starting January 1st, semis will be allowed to travel 65 miles per hour on Illinois highways outside of Cook County and the collar counties, up from 55 miles per hour. State legislators have been trying to change the law for years, but Governor Blagojevich vetoed it. With his impeachment and Governor Quinn's succession, the bill was finally passed into law.
Truck drivers are happy to be able to cover more miles in less time, which translates into more money, and proponents of the law point out the safety benefits. Being able to travel with the flow of traffic will hopefully help ease congestion and reduce accidents.
The slower speed limit of 55mph will remain in effect in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, Will, and McHenry Counties.
IDOT cautions drivers that crews will begin removing the 55mph signs starting January 4.
