Arizona eyes Autobahn-style highway with no fixed speed limits

Arizona may soon test a highway without a fixed speed limit. State Representative Nick Kupper has proposed a bill to create an unrestricted road, inspired by Germany’s Autobahn. The plan aims to improve safety while allowing faster travel for all drivers, including those from out of state. The proposal is part of the RAPID Act, which Kupper intends to reintroduce in January. Studies suggest that without a set limit, most drivers naturally settle around 80 mph. The bill includes an advisory speed of 130 km/h but lets vehicles travel as fast as their capabilities allow.

Commercial vehicles would still face speed restrictions under the plan. Kupper points to Montana’s past derestricted zones, which showed fewer fatalities per mile. He also cites German Autobahn data to argue that such roads could match or exceed current safety levels.

The bill was paused due to legislative deadlines but was not withdrawn. Supporters believe it could modernise Arizona’s highway system while maintaining control over heavy traffic. The RAPID Act will return for debate in the next session. If passed, it would create a unique stretch of highway in the US with no strict speed cap. Commercial drivers would still follow limits, while others could push their vehicles to the maximum safe speed.