2/1/08-The House Transportation Committee voted to kill a bill that would have increased speed limits on interstates and divided highways in the state from 65 mph to 70 mph.
Sponsored by Rep. David Smith, D-Nashua, HB1524 would have applied the 5-mph speed limit increase on the Everett, Spaulding and Blue Star turnpikes where there are at least two lanes of traffic in each direction.
Fines for speeding in the state would have remained the same.
The bill also included another provision that specified the fine for violating the state’s rule for keeping to the right on multi-lane roadways except to pass.
Violating the rule would have resulted in a warning. Subsequent offenses would have carried $50 fines.
A separate provision would have changed the conditions under which drivers could pass other vehicles on the right.
State law now allows passing on the right on certain roads with two or more lanes of traffic in each direction as the overtaking vehicle.
The bill would have changed the rule to roads with at least three lines of vehicles.

1/15/08-A bill in the House Transportation Committee would increase speed limits on interstates and divided highways in the state from 65 mph to 70 mph.
Sponsored by Rep. David Smith, D-Nashua, HB1524 would apply to the 5-mph speed limit increase on the Everett, Spaulding and Blue Star turnpikes where there are at least two lanes of traffic in each direction.
The bill also includes another provision that specifies the fine for violating the state’s rule for keeping to the right on multi-lane roadways except to pass.
Violating the rule would result in a warning. Subsequent offenses would carry $50 fines.
For House bill status, call (603) 271-2548.