With the talks still underway of a new legislation in the works set to change the speed signs for one group in one state, millions of drivers are expecting to be affected. The change in speed limits will affect one class of drivers imposing a slower maximum speed limit for this group whilst allowing the speed limit for other vehicle types to remain higher. With penalties for not obeying speed limits being rather hefty, many drivers from the affected vehicle class will have to rethink their routes and even their schedules.
One class of drivers affected by the Senate Bill
A bill currently moving at a rather rapid pace through the state, Senate Bill 226 (SB 226), is proposing that a lower maximum speed limit of 65 mph be set for truckers. The decision taken is to lower the speed limit from the orginal 75 mph limit, which is the speed limit that will still be applicable for all other vehicles on the road. The legislation introduced by Senator George Muñoz is mainly set to target larger commercial trucks such as those used for hauling trailers.
As per the change in speed limit, the decision is to further impose a $250 penalty for all those who fail to comply. The reason for the bill comes from the overall frustration due to highway congestion, more so along Interstate 40 where trucks tend to pass each other on uphill stretches resulting in traffic delays.
According to the Senator, the traffic that lines up for 10 miles does prove to be a real safety hazzard. The bill has somewhat stalled, but would have otherwise come into effective from July 1, 2025. If implemented the law could build on laws already in place that restricts trucks to the right-hand lane on highways where there are two or more lanes.
Why has this SB 226 bill stalled considerably?
As of August 1, 2025, SB 226 was not passed as yet. Many supporters of SB 226 suggest that traffic congestion will be reduced once the law is implemented. However, criticism has come from the trucking industry.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is strikingly against this newly proposed speed limit for trucks. As has been put forward by Doug Morris, OOIDA’s director of state government affairs, reduced truck speeds may cause these slower trucks to face danger from other faster-moving vehicles. The criticism stems from the idea that while trucks are going slower, the interaction with faster vehicles could cause more harm than good. Further setbacks come from the fact that corporate fleets govern trucks to drive more or less at 62–65 mph.
A legislation towards safety or a legislation against safety
SB 226 suggests a reduced speed limit for trucks that can increase delivery times, fuel costs, labor hours, and can drive up prices for transported goods. In broader terms, 70% of all domestic frieghts are moved by trucks and thus a slight decrease in the speed limits of trucks can affect the economy.
The law is also debated because it is mostly independent truckers who will be affected, more so those operating outside of large corporate fleets. Senator Sanchez even stated that independent drivers exceeded 65 mph limit to keep pace with delivery schedules. With this law in place, many drivers would be susceptible to fines and operational disruptions. The bill that cleared the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee, however, has remained stuck in the pipeline and it is yet to be seen if this 65 mph speed limit will come to this state.
The state looking at this change that will affect millions
The debate over SB 226 certainly indicates that a national conversation is required on all vehicles on roadways. However, the New Mexico Senate Bill 226 is a well-intentioned bill that seeks to decrease accidents and road tensions. At the moment, truck drivers, shippers, and fleet managers will need to adjust the legislation so that it can become law.
Once embraced, this law will affect millions in the State of New Mexico. New Mexico has always been keen on addressing the speed differences between heavy-duty vehicles and has already banned left-lane driving.
