Car speed limits in Michigan (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The statutory limit is 25 mph in a business district, in residential subdivisions and on local residential streets, 55 mph on trunk line and county highways and 70 mph on limited access freeways where no other limit is fixed. School zone limits may be up to 20 mph lower than normal but not below 25 mph. In work zones with a closed lane the limit is 45 mph unless otherwise set.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph in a business district [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 | 70 mph [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | A school zone limit may be up to 20 mph below the normally posted limit but not below 25 mph. It applies from up to 30 minutes before the first school session until school starts and from dismissal until up to 30 minutes after the last session, and not on limited access highways. [2] |
| Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph in residential subdivisions without through highways and on local streets in residentially zoned land of a city or village, unless another speed is posted. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | 45 mph when entering and passing through a work zone where a lane or part of a lane is closed, unless the road authority sets a different limit; the limit must be signed. [1] |
Notes
- Other segments with many access points are 25 to 45 mph, and 25 mph applies on certain local residential streets and subdivisions. Modified limits can be set after a speed study under MCL 257.628.
- This is the "general speed limit" for trunk line and county highways where no other limit is fixed. Modified limits can be set under MCL 257.628.
- The statute has no separate figure for dual carriageways that are not limited access freeways; the general speed limit applies unless another limit is fixed.
- This is the "limited access freeway general speed limit" where no other limit is fixed. Higher or lower limits can be set under MCL 257.628.
Sources
- Michigan Legislature: Michigan Vehicle Code, MCL 257.627 Speed limits (Internet Archive snapshot of 5 May 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Michigan Legislature: Michigan Vehicle Code, MCL 257.627a School zone speed limits (Internet Archive snapshot of 18 April 2025) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Michigan and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 25 mph (business district) | 55 mph | 55 mph | 70 mph |
| 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 |
| Minnesota | 30 mph | 55 mph | 65 mph | 70 mph (65 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 |
| Wisconsin | 25 mph; 35 mph outlying | 55 mph | 65 mph expressways | 70 mph |
More rules in Michigan
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: up to 12 plants
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 years 9 months (level 1)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 14+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (consumer fireworks; licensed retail) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; "dangerous weapon" concealed is banned · Locking or one-handed knives: Former mechanical-opening ban repealed (2017)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $13.73 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 · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Adults: no; under 16: yes
- 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 alcohol (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.