A new law in Idaho should ease the concerns of truckers and others traveling state highways about towns lowering speed limits to generate revenue. It takes effect Sunday, July 1.

Currently, Idaho law authorizes local governments to set speed limits on state highways that run through city limits. The local power can result in posted speeds that are at least 10 mph lower than outside their boundaries.

Gov. Butch Otter signed into law this spring a bill to strip the authority from towns. Instead, power to set speed limits on highways will soon be returned to the Idaho Transportation Department.

Supporters said the change will help eliminate needless speed traps near small towns. Communities around the state that have reputations for extended slow zones along highways include Bellevue, Donnelly and New Meadows.

Critics have expressed doubt that the state can assess speed settings in communities as well as local government.

The new law specifies that the Idaho Transportation Department must investigate and base posted speeds on “sound traffic engineering safety standards.” Localities could do their own study and request a different posted speed from the department.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Idaho, click here.

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