Governor Mike Kehoe Signs Law Raising Missouri Rural Speed Limits

Mike Kehoe, the Governor of Missouri, signed Senate Bill 1408 on July 13, 2026, increasing the maximum speed limit on rural interstate highways and freeways from 70 mph to 75 mph. The law takes effect on August 28, 2026.

The increase is not automatic for all road sections. The Missouri Department of Transportation will determine specific adjustments based on safety and traffic conditions. Urban interstates will remain capped at 60 mph, while rural expressways will stay at 65 mph.

Sponsored by Senator Jamie Burger and Representative John Voss, the legislation includes a clause allowing local governments to set speed limits within their boundaries, subject to commission approval. Critics of the bill have raised safety concerns regarding speed differentials between passenger vehicles and large trucks, as well as reduced braking distances.

The implementation follows a period of peak road work in the state, with more than 1,000 simultaneous projects underway, including the expansion of Interstate 70.