Driving over 80 mph can cost you more than a ticket

FARGO — Driving above posted speed limits in North Dakota can cost drivers more than a ticket — it can impact fuel economy.

Car manufacturers set fuel efficiency at about 55 mph. Even driving at the 80 mph limit now on North Dakota interstates, most vehicles see a 3 to 5 percent drop in fuel economy, a local mechanic said. The engine works harder to maintain higher speeds.

However, at 90 mph or more, drivers may notice a drastic decrease.

"I think once you are getting to that 85, 90 mark, you are going to see a pretty drastic decrease. That 5 mph will make somewhat of a decrease, but when you start talking 10, 15 mph over and you are talking those type of speeds, 90 mph, you are going to see a really big drop, probably 10 to 20 percent in fuel economy," said John Cegla of Fix It Forward