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SF 212

A bill for an act relating to the speed limit on unpaved roads under county jurisdiction, and making penalties applicable.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Sweeney

SF 212 lowers the speed limit on unpaved county roads to 45 mph, enhancing safety and imposing fines for violations, ensuring better awareness and compliance.

Subcommittee: Klimesh, Townsend, and Zumbach.
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Bill Summary · SF 212

Summary of Bill SF 212

Bill Number: SF 212
Title: A bill for an act relating to the speed limit on unpaved roads under county jurisdiction, and making penalties applicable.
Introduced: February 04, 2025
Status: Subcommittee: Klimesh, Townsend, and Zumbach
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: County boards of supervisors, county government, driving, highways, jurisdiction, secondary roads, speed limits, transportation department

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 212 is to amend the existing speed limit regulations for unpaved roads under county jurisdiction. The bill aims to enhance road safety by reducing the maximum speed limit on these roads, which are often less stable and more hazardous than paved roads.

Key Provisions

  1. Speed Limit Changes:

    • The bill establishes a maximum speed limit of 45 miles per hour on unpaved secondary roads, regardless of the time of day.
    • Previously, the speed limit was 55 miles per hour during daylight hours and 50 miles per hour at night for unpaved roads.
  2. Signage Updates:

    • Counties are authorized to use nonpermanent overlays or stickers on existing speed limit signs to reflect the new speed limits.
    • This allows for a cost-effective and timely update of signage until the signs can be fully replaced according to the county's replacement schedule.
  3. Penalties for Speeding:

    • Exceeding the speed limit on these roads is classified as a simple misdemeanor.
    • Fines for speeding vary based on how much the speed limit is exceeded:
      • $30 for exceeding the limit by up to 5 miles per hour.
      • Fines increase to $135 plus $5 for each mile per hour over 20 miles per hour above the limit.
      • Enhanced fines apply in road work zones.

Affected Parties

  • County Governments: Responsible for implementing the new speed limits and updating signage.
  • Drivers: All individuals operating vehicles on unpaved secondary roads will be subject to the new speed limits and associated penalties.
  • Public Safety Advocates: The bill is likely to be of interest to those focused on road safety and accident prevention.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Transportation committee on February 4, 2025.
  • A subcommittee consisting of members Klimesh, Townsend, and Zumbach was formed to review the bill on February 10, 2025.

Conclusion

SF 212 seeks to improve safety on unpaved roads by lowering speed limits and establishing clear penalties for violations. By allowing counties to update signage efficiently, the bill aims to ensure that drivers are aware of the new regulations, ultimately contributing to safer driving conditions on these roads.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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