Introduction
Speed limits in the United States can vary significantly from state to state, leading to a diverse landscape of regulations across the country. The maximum and posted speed limits in urban interstates serve as key indicators of the speed restrictions imposed by each state. These limits can differ due to a variety of factors, including geographical considerations, traffic patterns, and safety concerns.
One of the primary reasons for the variation in speed limits is the diverse nature of road infrastructure and conditions across different states. For instance, states with vast rural areas and long stretches of highways, such as Montana and Nevada, tend to have higher maximum speed limits. These states have relatively lower population densities and less congested roadways, which may contribute to the decision to set higher speed limits.
Population density and urbanization also play a significant role in determining speed limits. States with densely populated urban areas, such as California and New York, often have lower speed limits due to the higher risks associated with higher speeds in congested environments. Safety concerns and the need to mitigate accidents and ensure pedestrian safety are key factors considered when setting lower speed limits in urban interstates.
Furthermore, states may adopt different approaches to balancing safety and efficiency on their roadways. Factors such as historical accident data, engineering studies, and public opinion can influence the decision-making process for speed limit regulations. Additionally, state legislatures and transportation departments work in tandem to review and update speed limits based on changing conditions, advancements in technology, and evolving traffic patterns.
US Speed Limits
# | State | Maximum Speed Limit | Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Montana | 80 mph | 65 mph |
2 | Nevada | 80 mph | 65 mph |
3 | South Dakota | 80 mph | 80 mph |
4 | Arizona | 75 mph | 65 mph |
5 | Arkansas | 75 mph | 65 mph |
6 | Colorado | 75 mph | 65 mph |
7 | Idaho | 75 mph | 75 mph |
8 | Kansas | 75 mph | 75 mph |
9 | Louisiana | 75 mph | 70 mph |
10 | Maine | 75 mph | 75 mph |
11 | Nebraska | 75 mph | 70 mph |
12 | New Mexico | 75 mph | 75 mph |
13 | North Dakota | 75 mph | 75 mph |
14 | Oklahoma | 75 mph | 70 mph |
15 | Texas | 75 mph | 75 mph |
16 | Utah | 75 mph | 65 mph |
17 | Wyoming | 75 mph | 75 mph |
18 | Alabama | 70 mph | 65 mph |
19 | California | 70 mph | 65 mph |
20 | Florida | 70 mph | 65 mph |
21 | Georgia | 70 mph | 70 mph |
22 | Illinois | 70 mph | 55 mph |
23 | Indiana | 70 mph | 55 mph |
24 | Iowa | 70 mph | 55 mph |
25 | Maryland | 70 mph | 70 mph |
26 | Michigan | 70 mph | 70 mph |
27 | Minnesota | 70 mph | 65 mph |
28 | Mississippi | 70 mph | 70 mph |
29 | Missouri | 70 mph | 60 mph |
30 | North Carolina | 70 mph | 70 mph |
31 | Ohio | 70 mph | 65 mph |
32 | Pennsylvania | 70 mph | 70 mph |
33 | South Carolina | 70 mph | 70 mph |
34 | Tennessee | 70 mph | 70 mph |
35 | Virginia | 70 mph | 70 mph |
36 | Washington | 70 mph | 60 mph |
37 | West Virginia | 70 mph | 55 mph |
38 | Wisconsin | 70 mph | 70 mph |
39 | Alaska | 65 mph | 55 mph |
40 | Connecticut | 65 mph | 55 mph |
41 | Delaware | 65 mph | 55 mph |
42 | Kentucky | 65 mph | 65 mph |
43 | Massachusetts | 65 mph | 65 mph |
44 | New Hampshire | 65 mph | 65 mph |
45 | New Jersey | 65 mph | 55 mph |
46 | New York | 65 mph | 65 mph |
47 | Oregon | 65 mph | 55 mph |
48 | Rhode Island | 65 mph | 55 mph |
49 | Vermont | 65 mph | 55 mph |
50 | Hawaii | 60 mph | 60 mph |
Highest Speed Limit in USA
There are three states that share the highest speed limit in the US – Montana, Nevada, South Dakota all hold the top spot for having the highest speed limit in the USA, with a maximum speed limit of 80 mph.
The three states with the highest speed limit are :
1. Montana – 80 mph
2. Nevada – 80 mph
3. South Dakota – 80 mph
Speed Limit by State
Alabama
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#18
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#22
Alabama's maximum speed limit is 70 mph, providing drivers with a moderate speed for traveling across its diverse terrain, including coastal areas, forests, and urban centers.
Alaska
Maximum Speed Limit
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#39
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
55 mph
Ranked in the US
#40
Arizona
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#4
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#23
Arizona has one of the highest speed limits in the USA, with a maximum speed limit of 75 mph, striking a balance between efficiency and safety on its highways, ensuring smoother travel for residents and visitors alike.
Arkansas
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#5
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#24
With a maximum speed limit of 75 mph, Arkansas emphasizes moderate speed, prioritizing safety while accommodating the need for efficient transportation across the state.
California
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#19
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#25
Colorado
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#6
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#26
Colorado has one of the highest speed limits in the USA, as it sets its maximum speed limit at 75 mph, providing a balance between efficient travel and ensuring the safety of drivers navigating its diverse terrain, including mountainous regions.
Connecticut
Maximum Speed Limit
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#40
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
55 mph
Ranked in the US
#41
Delaware
Maximum Speed Limit
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#41
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
55 mph
Ranked in the US
#42
Florida
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#20
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#27
Georgia
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#21
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#9
Hawaii
Maximum Speed Limit
60 mph
Ranked in the US
#50
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
60 mph
Ranked in the US
#37
Idaho
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#7
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#2
Idaho has one of the highest speed limits in the USA, as it aligns its maximum speed limit with 75 mph, accommodating the needs of drivers traversing its scenic highways while maintaining an emphasis on safety and responsible driving.
Illinois
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#22
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
55 mph
Ranked in the US
#44
Indiana
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#23
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
55 mph
Ranked in the US
#45
Iowa
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#24
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
55 mph
Ranked in the US
#46
Kansas
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#8
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#3
Kansas has one of the highest speed limits in the USA, as it matches the maximum speed limit of 75 mph, facilitating smooth travel across its plains and open landscapes, promoting efficient transportation within the state.
Kentucky
Maximum Speed Limit
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#42
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#28
Louisiana
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#9
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#10
With a maximum speed limit of 75 mph, Louisiana aims to provide a reasonable balance between speed and safety on its highways, ensuring the well-being of its drivers and passengers.
Maine
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#10
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#4
Maine has one of the highest speed limits in the US, with a maximum speed limit of 75 mph, offering a balance between efficient travel and safety on its highways, catering to both residents and tourists.
Maryland
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#25
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#11
Massachusetts
Maximum Speed Limit
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#43
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#29
Michigan
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#26
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#12
Minnesota
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#27
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#30
Mississippi
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#28
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#13
Missouri
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#29
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
60 mph
Ranked in the US
#38
Montana
Maximum Speed Limit
80 mph
Ranked in the US
#1
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#31
With the highest speed limit in the USA, Montana has a maximum speed limit of 80 mph, allowing drivers to traverse its extensive highways and enjoy the scenic landscapes with a sense of freedom.
Nebraska
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#11
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#14
Nevada
Maximum Speed Limit
80 mph
Ranked in the US
#2
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#32
Nevada shares the highest speed limit in America with Montana and South Dakota, with a maximum speed limit of 80 mph, providing efficient travel through its expansive desert highways, making it an appealing state for those looking to cover long distances.
New Hampshire
Maximum Speed Limit
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#44
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#33
New Jersey
Maximum Speed Limit
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#45
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
55 mph
Ranked in the US
#47
New Mexico
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#12
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#5
New Mexico has one of the highest speed limits in the US, as it sets its maximum speed limit at 75 mph, providing drivers with a balanced speed for traveling through its diverse landscapes, including desert regions and mountainous areas.
New York
Maximum Speed Limit
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#46
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#34
North Carolina
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#30
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#15
North Dakota
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#13
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#6
North Dakota has one of the highest speed limits in America, aligns with a maximum speed limit of 75 mph, allowing drivers to navigate its vast plains and rural areas with efficiency while maintaining safety on its roadways.
Ohio
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#31
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#35
Oklahoma
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#14
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#16
Oklahoma has one of the highest speed limits in America, as it maintains a maximum speed limit of 75 mph, striking a balance between facilitating swift travel across its highways and ensuring the well-being of its drivers and passengers.
Oregon
Maximum Speed Limit
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#47
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
55 mph
Ranked in the US
#48
Pennsylvania
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#32
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#17
Rhode Island
Maximum Speed Limit
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#48
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
55 mph
Ranked in the US
#49
South Carolina
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#33
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#18
South Dakota
Maximum Speed Limit
80 mph
Ranked in the US
#3
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
80 mph
Ranked in the US
#1
South Dakota shares the highest speed limit in the US with Nevada and Montana, at the maximum speed limit of 80 mph, allowing drivers to navigate its open roads and appreciate the beauty of the state while maintaining a steady pace.
Tennessee
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#34
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#19
Texas
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#15
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#7
The speed limit on rural interstates in Texas ranges from 75 to 85 mph, with specific segments allowing speeds of 80 or 85 mph.
Utah
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#16
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#36
Utah sets its maximum speed limit at 75 mph, accommodating drivers who traverse its scenic landscapes and facilitating smooth travel between its natural wonders and urban centers.
Vermont
Maximum Speed Limit
65 mph
Ranked in the US
#49
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
55 mph
Ranked in the US
#50
Virginia
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#35
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#20
Washington
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#36
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
60 mph
Ranked in the US
#39
West Virginia
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#37
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
55 mph
Ranked in the US
#51
Wisconsin
Maximum Speed Limit
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#38
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
70 mph
Ranked in the US
#21
Wyoming
Maximum Speed Limit
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#17
Posted Speed Limit in Urban Interstates
75 mph
Ranked in the US
#8
Wyoming adopts a maximum speed limit of 75 mph, allowing drivers to experience the state's breathtaking vistas while maintaining a reasonable speed to ensure safety on its highways.
FAQs
What is the highest speed limit in the US ?
The highest speed limit in the US is 80 mph.
What is the maximum speed limit on most highways ?
The maximum speed limit on most highways in the US is typically 70 mph.
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