Car speed limits in Alabama (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Passenger cars may do 30 mph in urban districts and 55 mph on most other highways, 65 mph on other highways with four or more lanes and 70 mph on interstate highways. School zones have a posted reduced limit, and speeding fines there are doubled during the posted times. In a construction zone with workers present, fines are doubled, with a minimum of $250.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 30 mph [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 65 mph [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 70 mph [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | Every school has a reduced speed school zone, with the limit and the times it applies shown on the signs; the statute sets no fixed figure. Speeding fines in a school zone are doubled during the posted times. [2] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | When workers are present and warning signs or traffic control devices are in place, a moving violation in a construction zone carries a fine of $250 or double the normal fine, whichever is greater. Construction zone speed limits are set by the Department of Transportation or the county commission and posted. [3] |
Notes
- Unpaved county roads are limited to 35 mph, and county-maintained paved roads in unincorporated areas to 45 mph, unless a different limit is set. The 55 mph limit applies to highways other than interstates and highways with four or more traffic lanes.
- The 70 mph limit applies on interstate highways. The Governor may prescribe a different limit where federal law requires it for highway funds.
Sources
- Alabama Legislature: HB638 (introduced 19 March 2026), reproducing Code of Alabama 1975 § 32-5A-171 as existing law (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Alabama Legislature: Code of Alabama 1975, §§ 32-5A-180 to 32-5A-185 (reduced speed school zones) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Alabama Legislature: Code of Alabama 1975, § 32-5A-176.1. Construction zone moving violations (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Alabama and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 30 mph (urban districts) | 55 mph | 65 mph (4+ lanes) | 70 mph |
| Florida | 30 mph | 55 mph | 65 mph (4 lanes, outside urban area) | 70 mph |
| Georgia | 30 mph | 55 mph (all other areas) | 65 mph (multi-lane divided) | 70 mph rural, 65 mph urban |
| Mississippi | ⚠ Not yet verified | 55 mph (two-lane highways) | 65 mph (four-lane highways) | 70 mph |
| Tennessee | ⚠ Not yet verified | 55 mph (unless posted) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 70 mph (as low as 55 mph in cities) |
More rules in Alabama
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (Class A misdemeanor) · Growing at home: No (felony)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Stage II restricted licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (Stage I learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (Class C consumer fireworks) · Minimum age to buy: 16 (younger with an adult)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Firearms only; no knife carry offence read · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage law · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (offence needs erratic driving) · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes (secondary enforcement)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.