Panel backs raising minimum interstate speed to 50 mph on interstates and GA‑400; effective date set for 2027

A House committee voted to report out House Bill 809, a measure that would raise the minimum speed limit on interstates and Georgia 400 to 50 miles per hour, aiming to reduce rear‑end collisions tied to large gaps between posted minimum and maximum speeds.

Presenter (Unidentified Speaker 7) said the committee substitute limits the change to interstates and Georgia 400 and that the effective date in the bill was set to July 1, 2027, to allow time for implementation. The presenter told members the most recent sign‑replacement estimate was about 980 signs and that each sign would cost “just less than $1,000,” putting the total well under $1 million.

Committee members pressed on enforcement and how the change would affect elderly and new drivers. The presenter said the existing “slow traffic keep right” rule remains; under the bill that rule would be tied to the 50 mph minimum on interstates and Georgia 400. The presenter also said the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) would run a marketing and rollout campaign during the lead‑in to the effective date.

The committee moved a “do pass” motion, seconded it and approved the recommendation by voice vote; the transcript records ayes but does not record a roll‑call tally.

Ending: With the committee’s voice approval, HB 809 will advance from committee; proponents said the July 1, 2027 effective date will provide time for sign replacement and public education.