State Watch

New Wisconsin speed limit has a decimal point. Why?

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by Nick Witwer and Alix Martichoux - 04/27/26 5:44 PM ET

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by Nick Witwer and Alix Martichoux - 04/27/26 5:44 PM ET

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APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) — A new (and very specific) speed limit has been posting in Wisconsin at the Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste facility: Drivers entering the facility need to drive no faster than 17.3 mph.

In a post on social media, officials with the Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste said they decided on a posted speed limit of 17.3 mph because it makes drivers pause and look twice, breaking up that “autopilot” feeling that can be experienced when driving on familiar roads.

The recycling and waste center has haulers, contractors, and residents move through the site every day, making it important for drivers to slow down and stay alert, they said.

“We want every single person to have a safe visit and make it home at the end of the day. Thanks for doing your part to keep our site safe!” the facility said.

Such a precise speed limit is unusual, but the Wisconsin waste facility is not the first to try it out. Another example can be found in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where the posted speed limit at a shopping center is 8.2 mph. The decimal point has confounded Redditors for years.

Transportation planners may be turning to these more creative methods as they seek to slow drivers down. One recent study found that simply lowering the speed limit doesn’t usually work.

Changes in road design, like speed bumps, roundabouts, or curb bulb-outs, are usually more effective than changing signage.

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