People in a hurry might find the law on their side if House Bill 162 passes.

The bill would raise the maximum speed limit to 70 miles per hour in selected areas.

The Ohio Department of Transportation would decide what roadways would be eligible for the increased speed. Upgrades are expected to interstates as well as parts of US routes like US 23 in certain areas.

Currently US 23 has a maximum speed of 65 miles per hour in areas where its considered a freeway, defined as a multi-lane highway where crossroads are separated in grade (over- and under-passes) and access is limited to ramps.

The Bill would also up the speed for vehicles weighing 8,000 pounds or more to 65 miles per hour in the same areas as smaller vehicles.

32 other states have higher speed limits than Ohio’s 65 miles per hour.

The bill, sponsored by Parma representative Timothy DeGeeter and Hebron’s Dan Dodd, started initial committee conferences yesterday after being introduced at the end of April.