End to Speed Sanctions Urged

WASHINGTON — The Reagan Administration urged Congress today to end financial sanctions against states that do not comply with the 55-m.p.h. national speed limit.

Richard Morgan, executive director of the Federal Highway Administration, told a Senate transportation subcommittee that the Administration “would prefer giving all authority for setting speed limits back to states.” Under the current law the Administration opposes, states must monitor motorist compliance with the 55-m.p.h. speed limit. If more than half the motorists exceed the 55-m.p.h. limit in a given state, that state can lose up to 10% of its share of federal highway funds.