Car speed limits in Kentucky (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: On state highways the limit is 35 mph in a business or residential district, 55 mph elsewhere and 65 mph on interstates and parkways (up to 70 mph on listed segments). School-zone limits are set by the road authority where flasher lights operate. Speeding in a highway work zone with workers present and warning signs carries a $500 fine.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 35 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 | 55 mph [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 65 mph [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | No fixed statewide figure: the authority in charge of the road sets the limit where school flasher lights operate and posts signs. Speeding fines are doubled while the flasher lights are flashing. [2] |
| Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads | 35 mph in a business or residential district on state highways. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Speeding and other traffic violations in a highway work zone carry a $500 fine, or $500 to $10,000 if someone is injured or killed, when signs warn of increased fines and at least one worker is present. [3] |
Notes
- Applies to state highways. Cities and counties may set limits by ordinance, and the Secretary of Transportation can set a different limit after an engineering study.
- Applies to state highways other than interstates and parkways. The Secretary of Transportation can set a different limit after an engineering study.
- The statute has no separate figure for dual carriageways; the limit for other state highways applies unless a different limit is set.
- The Secretary of Transportation may raise the limit to 70 mph on listed segments, including I-24, I-65, I-69 and several parkways.
- The doubled fine applies where flasher lights are installed and flashing and a limit has been set under KRS 189.336 (KRS 189.394(5)).
- The Transportation Cabinet may also temporarily reduce speed limits in a work zone; the reduced limit applies when and where posted (KRS 189.390(4)(b)).
Sources
- Kentucky Legislative Research Commission: KRS 189.390 Speed -- Secretary authorized to increase speed limit in certain areas by official order -- Parking (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Kentucky General Assembly: KRS 189.336 Installation of flasher lights near schools -- Speed limits (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Kentucky General Assembly: KRS 189.2327 Fines in highway work zone -- Highway work zone safety fund (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Kentucky and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 35 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph | 65 mph (70 on some) |
| Illinois | 30 mph (15 in alleys) | 55 mph | 65 mph (designated, 4+ lanes) | 70 mph |
| Indiana | 30 mph (urban residential) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 60 mph (rural divided) | 70 mph rural, 55 mph urban |
| Missouri | 25 mph unless posted | 60 mph | 65 mph (rural) | 75 mph (60 in urban areas) |
| Ohio | 25 mph; 35 mph on some state routes | 55 mph | 60 mph; 65 mph rural expressways | 70 mph rural; 65 mph urban |
| Tennessee | ⚠ Not yet verified | 55 mph (unless posted) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 70 mph (as low as 55 mph in cities) |
| Virginia | 25 mph; 35 mph elsewhere in towns | 55 mph | 55 mph; 60 mph where posted | 55 mph; 70 mph where posted |
| West Virginia | 25 mph | 55 mph | — | At least 55 mph |
More rules in Kentucky
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Class B misdemeanour, max 45 days · Growing at home: No (licensed cultivators only)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (registered sellers) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Ordinary pocket knife: not a deadly weapon · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; "ordinary pocket knife" test
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting banned) · Hands-free use: Calls not restricted
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all occupants (vehicles built after 1981) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all occupants (vehicles built after 1981)
- 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 and possession) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (purchase and possession)
- 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.