Car speed limits in District of Columbia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The maximum lawful speed on all streets and highways in the District is 20 mph unless the Mayor designates another limit, and 15 mph in alleys. School zones have a 15 mph limit between 6:00 and 19:00 unless signs say otherwise. Fines for moving infractions in work zones are doubled.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 20 mph unless otherwise designated [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 20 mph on all streets and highways unless the Mayor designates another limit (no separate figure by road type) [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 20 mph on all streets and highways unless the Mayor designates another limit (no separate figure by road type) [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 20 mph on all streets and highways unless the Mayor designates another limit (no separate figure by road type) [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 15 mph in school zones between 6:00 and 19:00, unless official signs indicate otherwise. [1] |
| Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads | 20 mph on all streets and highways unless the Mayor designates another limit (no separate residential figure); 15 mph in alleys. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Civil fines for moving infractions in a work zone are doubled; in a criminal case the fine is one category higher. Signs at the entry to the zone must warn of this. [2] |
Notes
- The Mayor may set other limits under § 2200.2 after an engineering and traffic investigation; they take effect when signs are erected. The limit in alleys is 15 mph (§ 2200.7).
- On roads next to a playground, recreational facility, health care facility, pool, athletic field or senior centre, 15 mph applies at the times shown on official signs (§ 2200.9).
Sources
- District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DCRegs): 18-2200 SPEED RESTRICTIONS (18 DCMR Chapter 22) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library): D.C. Code § 50–2201.04c Motor vehicle moving infractions in work zones; signage required (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
District of Columbia and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 20 mph (default) | 20 mph (default) | 20 mph (default) | 20 mph (default) |
| Maryland | 30 mph (35 divided residential) | 50 mph | 55 mph | 70 mph maximum |
| Virginia | 25 mph; 35 mph elsewhere in towns | 55 mph | 55 mph; 60 mph where posted | 55 mph; 70 mph where posted |
More rules in District of Columbia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for 21+, up to 2 oz · Growing at home: Yes, up to 6 plants (3 mature)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsMinimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (fountains, cones, sparklers only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No folding rule; 'dangerous weapon' ban applies · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade: possession banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $18.40 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, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- 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 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any amount (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.