Do Michiganders speed? Here’s what they said

Does it feel like everyone in Michigan drives like they’re in a huge hurry? We asked locals how much over the speed limit they go—and the answers might surprise you.

I’ve lived in Michigan long enough to consider this state my permanent home. I love so much about this beautiful state. But when I first moved here from California, I experienced my fair share of culture shock. I enjoyed my new state’s quirks and was happy to acclimate to them (soda is now called pop, and I have a duty to forever hate on Ohio? Sign me up!).

But one thing, all these years later, that I’m still adjusting to is just how fast Michiganders drive. From morning until night, why does it feel to me like everyone on the road is in such a rush?

But don’t take my word for it. We recently asked Michiganders how much over the speed limit they usually drive, and you all had a lot to say.

So today, let’s dive into our fellow Michiganders’ thoughts on speeding in the state, how speed limits are set in the first place, and a tip from a Michigan State Police trooper on how to avoid getting pulled over.

What Michiganders say about speeding

(Image via peeterv/Canva)

No other state has such a strong tie to cars as Michigan. We’re known as the “Auto State,” and we’re the home of the Motor City. So, during a recent team meeting, the crew at The ‘Gander got to talking about how Michiganders tend to be overzealous with their driving speeds. But we wanted to hear from you directly. So, we asked readers:

“How much over the speed limit do you usually drive in Michigan?”

We received hundreds of comments, and based on those replies, it does appear that Michiganders have an affinity for speeding.

The common range for speeding was generally between five to 10 miles per hour above the posted limit. One of the most liked comments came from reader Al, who said: “5-10 on the expressway. maybe 5 on the main roads. I do the speed limit in subdivision or anywhere there may be kids.”

While that’s not all too surprising, what I found more interesting about the comments were the reasons why Michiganders speed.

Reader Fran said: “5. But I remember one of my first driving lessons: follow the speed limit, BUT keep up with traffic.”

That seemed to be a common thread in the conversation.

As reader Jacqueline put it: “I usually try to stay at 5 over on the expressway but it’s crazy and dangerous when I have somebody tailgating me while I’m in the left lane trying to pass someone (I am already going 80mph) and then when you pull over they shoot right past you… Somedays I696 and parts of I94 seem like the Autobahn!”

And it’s funny that Jacqueline said that… because here’s what reader Kathy had to say: “Let’s just say, waaaayy over speed limits. I drove in Germany for many years on the Autobahn. I can’t help it, yes, I drive waaaayyy too fast.”

If you want to read the comments for yourself, head here.

Let’s talk speed limits

Whether you think our speed limits are too low or too high, you might be wondering: How are they determined in the first place?

State law requires the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan State Police to set speed limits that are based on the 85th percentile speed. As MDOT puts it, that’s the speed “at which is the speed at or below which 85 percent of drivers are currently driving a given section of road. For example, if 85 percent of drivers on a section of road are driving 55 mph or less, the 85th percentile speed would be 55.”

MDOT adds that this method is the national standard because most drivers instinctively drive at a speed that is safe and comfortable based on the road design and other factors. For a more in-depth explanation of the 85th percentile, check out this video.

Sometimes, these limits are updated, as was the case in 2017 when Michigan lawmakers allowed an increase to 75 mph speed limits on over 600 miles of rural freeways. However, as a reminder that driving faster is more dangerous, a 2022 study found that those increases led to more crashes and deaths.

How to avoid getting pulled over

Before we go, I wanted to see if I could get some direct advice from law enforcement for those of us speeding on how to avoid getting pulled over.

Many of us know the saying “five you’re fine, nine you’re mine” (or some variation of that) when it comes to how much over the speed limit you can go before getting pulled over. But is there any truth to it?

We reached out to the Michigan State Police and heard from F/Lt. Michael Shaw, who told us: “There is no set standard as it varies with each trooper. Some give a little leeway, others start at one over. Just depends on who you come across. Probably the most surefire way to get pulled over is speeding past a trooper.”