State Representative Nick Kupper has introduced HB2059, known as the Reasonable and Prudent Interstate Driving (RAPID) Act, which aims to increase speed limits on certain rural interstate segments in Arizona. The bill proposes that the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) could establish derestricted speed zones for non-commercial vehicles during daylight hours on eligible rural interstates. These zones would be determined based on engineering studies, safety records, and highway design standards. At night, the maximum speed limit would be set at 80 miles per hour.
The RAPID Act maintains existing “reasonable and prudent” standards while increasing civil penalties for misuse of these zones. It also mandates annual safety audits of derestricted segments, coordination with the Department of Public Safety for enforcement, and a public education campaign to inform drivers about lane discipline and passing rules before entering these zones. The initial implementation would be a one-year pilot on a segment of Interstate 8.
Representative Kupper explained, “Most drivers can tell the difference between a crowded city freeway and a wide-open stretch of rural interstate. The RAPID Act accounts for that difference.” He cited Montana’s previous system as evidence that higher speeds can be managed responsibly without compromising safety. A review by Montana’s Legislative Audit Division indicated that despite increased average speeds after removing daytime limits, crash and fatality rates per vehicle mile decreased.
Kupper added, “Montana showed that you can modernize speed laws without sacrificing safety.” He believes Arizona should adopt similar measures to reflect current road usage patterns.
Nick Kupper is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 25, which includes parts of Maricopa, Yuma, and La Paz Counties. He was elected in 2025 to replace Tim Dunn and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. Follow him on X at @realnickkupper.
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