Can variable speed limits be enforced?
The Missouri Department of Transportation has the ability to raise and lower speed limits on interstate roads. The Missouri Highway Patrol has the primary responsibility of enforcing those speed limits. They have indicated that they will support the reduced limits and will be using various methods to track speeders and issue tickets. MoDOT is installing signs along the route warning drivers of the variable speed limits to alert them that speed limits may be raising or lowering. Additionally, MoDOT is working with the Missouri Highway Patrol, local law enforcement and local prosecutors to address other enforcement issues.
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Is the highway patrol (or MoDOT) pushing this to raise funds?
No. Neither MoDOT nor state, county or municipality law enforcement agencies receive any funds from speeding tickets. All funds raised from speeding tickets are deposited into local school funds. Implementing variable speed limits is intended to improve traffic flow on I-270, primarily during I-64 reconstruction. If the project is successful, MoDOT will consider maintaining variable limits on I-270 and may consider them for other regional interstates.
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How does law enforcement get notified of speed limit changes?
MoDOT is currently working with our law enforcement partners and our contractor for the sign's software to determine the best way to notify law enforcement officials of the changes in speed limits.
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