Car speed limits in Louisiana (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: No vehicle may exceed 55 mph on any highway unless a lower limit is posted. The ceilings are 70 mph on interstate and controlled access highways and 65 mph on multi-lane divided highways with partial or no access control. Speeding in a construction or utility work zone while workers are on site is fined $500 to $1,000.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 55 mph unless a lower limit is posted [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph unless a lower limit is posted [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 65 mph maximum [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 70 mph maximum [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Exceeding the speed limit in a construction zone or utility work safety zone while construction or utility workers are on site is fined $500 to $1,000. [2] |
Notes
- The statute sets no separate figure for built-up areas. The Department of Transportation and Development sets lower limits on road segments after an engineering study.
- Applies to multi-lane divided highways with partial or no control of access. A lower limit may be posted, and a speed zone set by the department can allow a higher speed (R.S. 32:63(C)).
- Applies to interstate and controlled access highways. A lower limit may be posted.
Sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: RS 32:61 Maximum speed limit (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: RS 32:57 Penalties; alternatives to citation (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Louisiana and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 55 mph unless posted lower | 55 mph unless posted lower | 65 mph | 70 mph |
| Arkansas | 30 mph (urban districts) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | 75 mph (rural, 4+ lanes) |
| Mississippi | ⚠ Not yet verified | 55 mph (two-lane highways) | 65 mph (four-lane highways) | 70 mph |
| Texas | 30 mph | 70 mph; 60 mph on unnumbered roads | — | 70 mph; up to 85 mph where set |
More rules in Louisiana
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Fine up to $100 (14 g or less) · Growing at home: Production is an offence
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: Class 3: 12
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers, set periods) · Minimum age to buy: 15
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; dangerous-weapon rule applies
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free calls allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, every occupant · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, every occupant
- 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 (no purchase or public possession under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 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.