From hats to hair to personalities, they say everything’s bigger in Texas — and now you can add the state’s highway speed limits to the list. 

On January 26, the Texas Transportation Commission approved a speed limit increase to 75 miles per hour (mph) for nearly 1500 interstate miles — up from 70 mph. From El Paso and Midland in West Texas to Corpus Christi on the Gulf of Mexico, truckers will now be able to more quickly move freight across the Lone Star State. 

The speed limit changes are the result of a 2011 law granting the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) authority to create 75 mph zones, as long as studies showed the increases were safe in each area. After months reviewing current 70 mph highways, the agency selected sections of Interstates 10, 20, 27, 30, 35, 37, 40, 44 and 45 for the higher speed limits. These highways join existing stretches of Texas Interstates where 75 mph — and even 80 mph — are legal. In fact, once these new increases occur, the state will have over 3500 miles of highways where the speed limit is 75 mph or higher. Talk about moving freight fast!

According to authorities, the new speed limit signs will take 60 – 90 days to post statewide — and the 75 mph limit isn’t valid on any stretch until the signs reflect the changes. So, before you put more pressure on the accelerator, make sure to check the posted speed limit where you’re moving freight. You don’t want to get a “Texas-size” speeding ticket!