DES MOINES, Iowa, April 20 (UPI) -- Gov. Tom Vilsack has signed legislation increasing the legal speed limit on rural interstate highways in Iowa from 65 mph to 70 mph beginning July 1.
The higher speed limit was urged by lawmakers who said studies showed motorists were already driving an average 69.8 mph on the state's highways.
"Right now there is a sort of unwritten rule ... that you get a 5-to-7 miles an hour cushion," Vilsack told the Des Moines Register. "Well I am suggesting that ... the posted speed limit is the speed limit."
The Iowa Department of Transportation said the current 65 mph limit would remain on some heavily traveled stretches of highway and the limit on congested urban interstate highways may stay 55 mph.
Vilsack said he expects the speed limits to be strictly enforced and that drivers who think they can routinely speed five miles over the posted limit will find they are mistaken.
Neighboring Nebraska has a 75 mph speed limit on rural interstate highways.
