Car speed limits in Maine (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The maximum rate is 25 mph in a business or residential district or built-up portion and 45 mph on other public ways, unless otherwise posted. School zones are 15 mph at school times, with doubled fines, and fines are also doubled in signed construction zones. The Commissioner of Transportation may set up to 75 mph on the interstate system and other divided controlled-access highways.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 45 mph [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 15 mph in a school zone during recess, when children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours (half an hour before and after the start and end of the school day), or when school speed limit signs are flashing. The fine is twice the normal speeding fine. [1] |
| Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph in a business or residential district or built-up portion unless otherwise posted. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | The Commissioner of Transportation (or the Maine Turnpike Authority on the turnpike) may restrict the speed limit on a road under construction or maintenance, shown by standard speed limit signs. The fine is twice the normal speeding fine. [2] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | No separate statutory figure. The Commissioner of Transportation may set limits up to 75 mph on divided controlled-access highways and up to 60 mph on other roads. [3] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | No separate statutory figure. The Commissioner of Transportation may set limits up to 75 mph on the interstate system; the commissioner does not set limits on the Maine Turnpike. [3] |
Notes
- Applies unless otherwise posted.
- Applies on all other public ways unless otherwise posted (wording in force since PL 2025, c. 199).
- Where no other limit is posted, the statutory rate for public ways outside business and residential districts is 45 mph.
Sources
- Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Title 29-A, §2074: Rates of speed (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Title 29-A, §2075: Other speed regulations (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Title 29-A, §2073: Authority to regulate speeds (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Maine and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 25 mph | 45 mph | Up to 75 mph (controlled-access), else 60 | Up to 75 mph (set by the commissioner) |
| New Hampshire | 30 mph | 55 mph (45 mph on unimproved rural highway) | 55 mph; 65 mph on divided interstate/turnpike | 65 mph (70 on part of I-93) |
More rules in Maine
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 6 mature, 12 immature plants
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (with driver education) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2 and 3 · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 2 and 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (licensed stores; 21+) · Minimum age to buy: 21
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed 'dangerous' knives barred; folding not named · Locking or one-handed knives: Former "dangerous knife" ban repealed (2015)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.10 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed, drivers 18+ with full licence
- 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 (a minor is under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (a minor is under 21)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00 (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.