Associated Press

North Dakota's interstate highways have a 75 mph speed limit but no minimum speed, which creates dangers of its own, a state legislator says.

Rep. Ed Gruchalla, D-Fargo, asked the North Dakota House's Transportation Committee to endorse legislation he is sponsoring to set a 40 mph minimum speed on interstates.

The change would make it illegal for bicycles and low-speed vehicles to travel on the interstates, said Gruchalla, a Transportation Committee member who is a former North Dakota highway patrolman.

During a hearing Friday, Gruchalla said the measure may have to be changed to ensure no one is ticketed for driving less than 40 mph during poor weather. The committee did not immediately make a recommendation on the bill.

The proposal carries a price tag. The state Department of Transportation estimated it would cost $500,000 to manufacture and post signs advertising the minimum limit.

Gruchalla is sponsoring a separate bill to raise state fines for speeding and other traffic violations, which garnered him some good-natured needling during Friday's hearing.

"I can't figure out whether you're trying to speed us up or slow us down," said Rep. Dan Ruby, R-Minot.

The bill is HB1114.