Car speed limits in Northwest Territories (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Where no traffic control device sets a limit the maximum is 50 km/h in a municipality or unincorporated community and 90 km/h outside one. School zones apply all day, every day, at the posted limit. Speeding fines are doubled in school zones and construction zones.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 50 km/h within a municipality or unincorporated community if no traffic control device sets another maximum [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 90 km/h outside a municipality or unincorporated community if no traffic control device sets another maximum [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | School zones are in effect 24 hours a day, every day of the year; the speed limit is shown on signs. Speeding fines are doubled in school zones. [2] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Fines for speeding in a construction zone are doubled; drivers must obey the posted reduced limit whether or not workers and equipment are present. [3] |
Notes
- This applies within a municipality or unincorporated community where no traffic control device sets a maximum. Sections 171 and 172 can change the maximum.
- This applies outside a municipality or unincorporated community where no traffic control device sets a maximum. Sections 171 and 172 can change the maximum.
Sources
- Government of the Northwest Territories (Department of Justice): Motor Vehicles Act, RSNWT 1988, c M-16 (office consolidation) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Infrastructure: School Zones (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Infrastructure: Construction Zones (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Northwest Territories 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Territories | 50 km/h | 90 km/h | — | — |
| Yukon | 50 km/h | 50 km/h (unless posted) | — | — |
| 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 |
| Saskatchewan | Posted limit; 80 km/h if unsigned | 80 km/h | — | Posted limit; 80 km/h if unsigned |
| Nunavut | 50 km/h | 90 km/h | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Northwest Territories
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per household
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class 5P, after a year as a learner) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15, with a supervisor (24 months' experience)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: No minimum (12 advised)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No, unless the Fire Marshal authorises
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.20 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- 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
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (24-hour suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (novice, under 22)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.