Drive 25 FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
Prior to 2019, speed limits were set statewide by the Minnesota legislature. While there were some specific exceptions for roads designated as parkways and roads around schools, most roads were set to a default speed limit of 30 miles per hour. After a 2019 addition to state law, cities were given the ability to set speed limits on roads under their jurisdiction.
Staff analyzed speed distribution, roadway context, adjacent land use, and pedestrian activity for local roadways at locations across the city. Since all roads in Richfield are residential, and most drivers on lower volume streets are already driving at or below 25 mph, the city council and staff opted for a citywide blanket speed limit to reduce confusion and create a clear expectation of maximum driving speed on any road in the city.
No, not at this time. Currently, counties do not have the same control over their speed limits that cities have under current state statutes. If a speed limit change is requested on a county roadway, a speed study would be conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The city council approved a speed limit of 30 mph for these roads but an implementation date has not yet been set.
These roads are Richfield city-owned roads, but there are no changes occurring on these four-lane roads at this time. Future changes to speed limits on the four-lane sections of roadway are currently under consideration by the city council.
Drive 25 yourself. When talking with neighbors, share the benefits of our city’s reduced speed limit. When they become available, pick up a Richfield Drives 25 yard sign and display it on your lawn.
Driving at a lower speed is a cultural behavior that is learned over years. The more effort individuals put into intentionally driving slower, the more the community as a whole will benefit.