Ohio House panel OKs plan for 70 mph speed limit

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The speed limit for cars and trucks on Ohio's interstate highways would increase from 65 mph to 70 mph under a bill passed by a House committee.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the panel passed the measure Wednesday.

It initially would have made it illegal to stay in the left lane of a highway if a driver was not passing or exiting, but that provision was removed before the panel approved the measure.

The bill would make interstate limits consistent with the speed limit on the Ohio Turnpike and in neighboring states. The State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Trucking Association opposed the measure, partly citing safety concerns.

The committee chairman, Rep. Courtney Combs of Hamilton, says he expects the measure to pass when it's considered by the full House.