A couple of days ago, Minnesota raised the speed limit on over 900 miles of highways from 55 mph to 60 mph. The stated goal? Reduce speeding. A cynic would note that speeding would be reduced because speeds up to 60 mph would no longer count as speeding. However, a keener eye would see a different story.

Minnesota has a law nicknamed the “Dimler Amendment” that prevents speeding infractions from appearing on one’s driving record so long as the offense takes place in a 55 mph zone and the speed is less than 65 mph. The key number is 55 mph – not 60 mph. Thus, the increased speed limit actually leads to steeper penalties for a person going 65 despite the absolute speed excess being lower. Clever!