Car speed limits in Kansas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The maximum lawful speed is 30 mph in an urban district, 55 mph on county and township highways and 65 mph on other highways, rising to 75 mph on designated separated multilane highways. Local authorities may set school-zone limits of not less than 20 mph during school travel hours, and may lower residence-district limits to 20 mph. Fines for moving violations are doubled in road construction zones.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 30 mph (urban districts) [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 65 mph on state highways; 55 mph on county and township highways [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 75 mph on separated multilane highways, as designated and posted [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 75 mph on separated multilane highways, as designated and posted [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | No fixed statewide figure: local authorities may lower the limit in an urban school zone to not less than 20 mph, applying only during the hours students normally travel to or from school, as set by ordinance or resolution. [2] |
| Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads | No separate statutory figure: the 30 mph urban-district limit applies, and local authorities may lower the limit in a residence district to not less than 20 mph. [2] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Fines for moving violations, including speeding, are doubled in a road construction zone, which runs from the first sign identifying the zone to the sign marking its end. Speed limits there are set by signs. [3] |
Notes
- The limits may be altered as authorised in K.S.A. 8-1559 and 8-1560.
- The statute does not use the term interstate. The 75 mph limit applies to separated multilane highways designated and posted by the Secretary of Transportation.
- Speeding fines in such a school zone are doubled (K.S.A. 8-2118(g)).
Sources
- Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes: 8-1558. Maximum speed limits (K.S.A.) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes: 8-1560. Alteration of maximum speed limits; powers of local authorities (K.S.A.) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes: 8-2118. Uniform fine schedule for traffic infraction violations; doubling of fine in road construction zones and school zones (K.S.A.) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Kansas and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 30 mph (urban districts) | 65 mph; 55 mph on county roads | 75 mph (as designated) | 75 mph (as designated) |
| Colorado | 25 mph business, 30 mph residential | 55 mph (40 mph open mountain highways) | 65 mph (four-lane expressways) | 65 mph |
| Missouri | 25 mph unless posted | 60 mph | 65 mph (rural) | 75 mph (60 in urban areas) |
| Nebraska | 25 mph residential, 20 business | 50-65 mph depending on road type | 65-70 mph | 75 mph (65 in parts) |
| 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) |
More rules in Kansas
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: No (felony)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15 (restricted licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction 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 (licensed retail; bottle rockets banned)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Only with intent to use unlawfully · Locking or one-handed knives: No switchblade or locking-knife rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour (state law)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Texting only · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, age 14+ · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, age 14+ (adults: 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 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- 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.