Car speed limits in Tamaulipas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Cars may do 20 km/h in school zones on secondary streets (up to 30 km/h on primary roads), 30 km/h on secondary streets and 50 km/h on primary avenues. State highways have 80 km/h outside urban areas, and federal highways and autopistas 110 km/h for cars. No intersection may be approached above 50 km/h.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 20 km/h in hospital, care-home and shelter zones and in school zones on secondary and tertiary streets (up to 30 km/h in school zones on primary roads); 30 km/h on secondary and tertiary streets; 50 km/h on primary avenues without controlled access; 80 km/h in the central lanes of controlled-access avenues; 50 km/h on state highways within urban areas [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 80 km/h on state highways outside urban areas [2] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 110 km/h for cars (95 km/h for buses, 80 km/h for trucks) on highways and autopistas of federal jurisdiction [2] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 20 km/h in school zones and surroundings on secondary and tertiary streets (up to 30 km/h on primary roads and highways); drivers in a school zone at entry and exit times must not exceed 20 km/h. [1] |
Notes
- These figures are the ceilings that road signs and traffic regulations may not exceed. Municipal traffic regulations can set lower limits. The Reglamento de Tránsito (2026) repeats the figures of article 50 of the Ley de Movilidad and adds the 20 km/h zones.
- The state law states this figure for highways and autopistas of federal jurisdiction.
Sources
- Periódico Oficial del Estado de Tamaulipas: Reglamento de Tránsito del Estado de Tamaulipas (Anexo al POE No. 17, 10 de febrero de 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Periódico Oficial del Estado de Tamaulipas: Ley de Movilidad del Estado de Tamaulipas (última reforma POE No. 66, 3 de junio de 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in Mexico and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Mexico
| Built-up areas (Federal roads) | 50 km/h (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
|---|---|
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) (Federal roads) | 100 km/h by day, 90 km/h at night (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) (Federal roads) | As signed, up to 110 km/h. Where no sign sets a limit: 100 km/h by day, 90 km/h at night. (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
| Motorways (Federal roads) | As signed, up to 110 km/h. Where no sign sets a limit: 100 km/h by day, 90 km/h at night. (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
| Roadworks zones (Federal roads) | Drivers must obey the signs, devices and red-flag signals placed at roadworks on federal roads. Disobeying them is fined 20 to 30 times the daily quota (cuota diaria). (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
More rules in Tamaulipas
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 for a full licence
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all passengers
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% (0.4 mg/l breath)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.