One group of drivers may have to obey this surprising rule, as discussions surrounding the new reduced speed limits are still underway. One U.S. state has chosen to shift the balance and control the issue of speeding within its borders. The new rule, should it be accepted, will not affect all drivers; however, a single group of drivers will have to adapt to this surprising new rule. The state looking to provoke change is New Mexico, with Senate Bill 226 set to target one group of drivers only, reducing their maximum speed limit to 65 mph.
Splitting the speed limits for cars and trucks in the state
New Mexico’s SB 226 will create a dual-speed highway system. Cars will be able to drive up to 75 mph, while commercial truck drivers will have to adhere to the newly set speed limit of 65 mph. According to lawmakers, this new speed rule is meant to improve the safety of all in the state. Once the law is accepted by the state, violation of this law could result in a $250 fine.
The bill’s supporters deem this measure necessary to reduce the number of high-speed crashes in the state, particularly those caused by heavy vehicles. Although supporters of the law are highly in favor of the reduced speed limits, the rule is quite an upset for truck drivers. The new speed limit will add hours to long-haul routes and increase fuel costs.
A new speed limit is being set, but not without debate
SB 226 did not have an easy pathway through the legislature. The law experienced initial support, having been cleared by the Senate Transportation Committee as well as the Senate Judiciary Committee. Despite the initial support received, the law got postponed when it reached the House Judiciary Committee back in March 2025.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) does not seem to be in favor of the new speed limit and warns that it may increase traffic congestion. With trucks driving slower than cars, there will be much overtaking on highways.
At the same time, the measure has not been New Mexico’s only attempt to regulate the speed of trucks in the state. With the rule comes the requirement for trucks to stay in the right lane except when overtaking. New Mexico is yet again trying to control truck speed, prioritizing passenger safety over freight efficiency.
Other states are learning from New Mexico’s approach
Although New Mexico is still debating the future of this law, other regions are drawing inspiration from the safety-first approach. Hawaii had enacted a similar measure, also choosing to reduce the speed of trucks on the roads. While embraced in early 2025 in Hawaii, speed limits will change in 6 states as well.
Pennsylvania is looking at implementing more stringent measures as well, including banning handheld cellphone usage while driving. While about 18 states allow drivers to drive at 75 mph or more, the statistics indicate that there is a need to step up in terms of safety measures on the roads and to enforce newer speed limits. Should SB 226 get passed, it may inspire neighboring states to change their speed limits as well.
Where is SB 226 headed in New Mexico?
While the New Mexico Senate Bill 226 has not yet come into effect, truck drivers can still drive at 75 mph in New Mexico; the ongoing debate brings about the question of whether the vehicle type should be used when determining the speed limit for that vehicle.
Safety advocates and trucking associates remain at odds over this new law, and the exact date of its implementation remains uncertain. The fact remains that if the law gets passed and trucks are expected to slow down, cars may soon be expected to slow down as well. The speed signs may change for one group, and if they do, it will affect millions in the state.
