Car speed limits in British Columbia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Cars may do 50 km/h in a municipality and 80 km/h outside one, unless signs show another limit. Signed school zones are 30 km/h on school days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and signed playground zones 30 km/h from dawn to dusk. Speeding through construction signs carries higher ticket amounts.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 50 km/h in a municipality, treaty lands or a Nisga'a village unless signs show another limit [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 80 km/h outside a municipality unless signs show another limit [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 30 km/h where signs show 30 when approaching or passing a school on a regular school day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or longer hours shown on the signs); 30 km/h near a signed public playground between dawn and dusk. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Drivers must obey the speed shown on construction signs. Speeding through construction signs carries a ticket of $196 (under 21 km/h over) or $253 (21-40 km/h over), against $138 and $196 for ordinary speeding. [2] |
Notes
- Municipalities may set other limits by bylaw, and signs placed by the Minister of Transportation override the default. A municipality can set a 20 km/h limit on lanes up to 8 m wide.
- Signs placed by the Minister of Transportation can raise or lower the limit on a section of highway. In defined parts of the unorganised area signs may set up to 60 km/h.
Sources
- Province of British Columbia (BC Laws): Motor Vehicle Act, RSBC 1996, c. 318 (complete Act) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- King's Printer for British Columbia (BC Laws): Violation Ticket Administration and Fines Regulation, B.C. Reg. 89/97, Schedule 3 (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
British Columbia and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | 50 km/h | 80 km/h | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Alberta | 50 km/h | Passenger car on public roads, Provincial highways: 100 km/h (standard) Passenger car on public roads, Municipal and other roads: 80 km/h | — | Passenger car on public roads, Provincial highways: 100 km/h |
| Yukon | 50 km/h | 50 km/h (unless posted) | — | — |
| Northwest Territories | 50 km/h | 90 km/h | — | — |
More rules in British Columbia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per home
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor aged 22+ (from 19 Oct 2026)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Cycle (motor assisted cycle) · Minimum age: 14 (light) or 16 (standard)
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $18.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free, conditions apply
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 19 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 19
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.