mph Speed Limit Day

55 mph Speed Limit Day is an annual observance commemorating the National Maximum Speed Law enacted in the United States from 1974 to 1995, which set a nationwide speed limit of 55 miles per hour. This day serves as a reminder of the historical legislation and its impact on road safety and energy conservation.

Quick facts

When is it?: January 2nd
Tagged as: Transportation, History, Safety
What’s the hashtag?: #55MphSpeedLimitDay
When was it founded?: January 2, 1974
Who founded it?: President Richard Nixon

History of 55 mph Speed Limit Day

The 55 mph speed limit was introduced in response to the 1973 oil crisis. President Richard Nixon signed the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act on January 2, 1974, establishing a national maximum speed limit of 55 mph. This law aimed to reduce fuel consumption and improve road safety across the United States.

Timeline

1652: New Amsterdam (now New York) sets speed limits for wagons and carts
1861: The UK introduces the first numeric speed limit sign (10 mph)
1903: New York City implements the world’s first comprehensive traffic code
1904: The first paper speeding ticket is issued in Dayton, Ohio
1974: President Nixon signs the National Maximum Speed Limit of 55 mph into law
1995: The U.S. Congress repeals the national speed limit

Upcoming Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	January 2	Thursday
2026	January 2	Friday
2027	January 2	Saturday
2028	January 2	Sunday
2029	January 2	Tuesday
2030	January 2	Wednesday

Observed

55 mph Speed Limit Day is observed by individuals who remember the former nationwide speed limit with nostalgia and those who believe it could benefit road safety today. It’s a day to reflect on energy conservation and safe driving practices.

Fun Facts About 55 mph Speed Limit

The law saved approximately 9 million gallons of gasoline per day in the United States
Some states rebelled by reducing speeding fines and issuing “energy wasting fines” instead
The non-compliance rate was as high as 83% in states like New York and Nevada
South Dakota currently has the highest speed limit in the U.S. at 80 mph on some highways

Quiz

In which year was the 55 mph speed limit introduced?
What was the primary reason for implementing the national speed limit?
When was the national speed limit repealed?

(Answers: 1. 1974, 2. To conserve fuel during the oil crisis, 3. 1995)

FAQs

Q: Why was the 55 mph speed limit controversial?
A: The law was unpopular due to increased travel times and perceived government overreach. Many drivers also routinely violated the limit.

Q: Did the 55 mph speed limit improve road safety?
A: Studies showed mixed results, with some indicating a reduction in fatalities but others suggesting limited impact due to low compliance.

Importance of 55 mph Speed Limit Day

This day reminds us of the historical attempt to address energy conservation and road safety through legislation. It encourages reflection on current speed limits, their effectiveness, and the balance between efficiency and safety on our roads.