Car speed limits in Colorado (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The statutory limits are 25 mph in business districts, 30 mph in residential districts, 55 mph on open highways and 65 mph on surfaced four-lane interstate highways and expressways; they may be changed up to 75 mph. Penalties are doubled in signed school zones. Speeding penalties are doubled in designated maintenance, repair or construction zones.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph in any business district; 30 mph in any residential district [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph on open highways that are not part of the interstate system and are not four-lane freeways or expressways; 40 mph on open mountain highways; 20 mph on narrow, winding mountain highways or blind curves [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 65 mph on surfaced, four-lane highways that are part of the interstate system or are expressways [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 65 mph on surfaced, four-lane highways that are part of the interstate system or are expressways [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | The statute sets no fixed school-zone speed; the posted limit applies. Penalties and surcharges for moving traffic violations are doubled in a designated school zone signed as such, at the times set by the state or local government. [2] |
| Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads | 30 mph in any residential district. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Penalties and surcharges for speeding are doubled in a designated maintenance, repair or construction zone. The zone runs from the sign saying increased penalties are in effect to the sign saying they end. [2] |
Notes
- The Department of Transportation and local authorities may change a limit where the statutory one is greater or less than reasonable or safe, but not above 75 mph on any highway. Cities and towns may adopt their own maximum limits.
Sources
- Colorado General Assembly: State Speed Limits (summary of section 42-4-1101, C.R.S.) (Internet Archive snapshot of 20 May 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Colorado General Assembly (Office of Legislative Legal Services): Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 42 (uncertified printout), §§ 42-4-614, 42-4-615 and 42-4-1701 (Internet Archive snapshot of 9 October 2025) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Colorado and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 25 mph business, 30 mph residential | 55 mph (40 mph open mountain highways) | 65 mph (four-lane expressways) | 65 mph |
| Kansas | 30 mph (urban districts) | 65 mph; 55 mph on county roads | 75 mph (as designated) | 75 mph (as designated) |
| Nebraska | 25 mph residential, 20 business | 50-65 mph depending on road type | 65-70 mph | 75 mph (65 in parts) |
| New Mexico | 30 mph | 75 mph (55 mph unposted county roads) | 75 mph (general maximum) | 75 mph maximum |
| Oklahoma | Set by ODOT after a study | Set by ODOT after a study | Set by Transportation Commission | Up to 75 mph (interstate); 80 mph (turnpikes) |
| Utah | 25 mph | 55 mph | — | Posted, up to 75 mph |
| Wyoming | 30 mph | 70 mph state highways; 65 mph other paved | — | 75 mph; 80 mph where designated |
More rules in Colorado
- CannabisGrowing at home: Up to 6 plants per person; 12 per home
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (minor licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (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 (permissible fireworks only) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade · Locking or one-handed knives: Only ballistic knives banned outright
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.16 per hour (2026)
- 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 (adults: secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- 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 (under 21 may not be served or buy) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (under 21 may not be served or buy)
- 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.