GA proposes new law that would change how slow you can drive on interstates. Here’s how
Georgia lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would force the slowest drivers on the state’s fastest roads to speed up or move off the highway. Georgia House Bill 809 is moving through the state legislature and would raise the minimum speed limit on major highways by 10 mph, and driving too slowly could land you in violation.
What’s being proposed
The bill would amend Georgia’s speed‑restriction statute in Article 9 of Chapter 6, Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia.
Provisions:
- Sets a 50 mph minimum speed
- Applies to interstates and high-speed highways statewide
- Currently before the House Motor Vehicles Committee
Why lawmakers say they want this
Sponsors argue that large gaps between very slow drivers and 65–70 mph traffic increase the risk of rear‑end and sideswipe crashes, especially where drivers must make sudden lane changes to get around slower vehicles.
State Rep. John Carson (R-Marietta) said, “I want to limit the number of rear-end collisions. I’ve received fatality reports. … It’s horrific.”
What would and wouldn’t change for drivers
Georgia’s maximum interstate speeds have risen over the years, but the de facto minimum has generally remained much lower, creating a wider speed differential in the same lane.
- Drivers going under 50 mph could be cited for violating the minimum speed.
- Existing rules against impeding traffic would remain in place statewide.
- It does not change the posted maximum speed limits or the underlying penalty structure.
- It would layer a clearer floor under how slow you can legally go on the state’s fastest highways.
Do you think it’s a good idea to raise the minimum speed? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published March 24, 2026 at 5:30 AM with the headline "GA proposes new law that would change how slow you can drive on interstates. Here’s how."