Car speed limits in Minnesota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Where no special hazard exists the lawful speed is 30 mph in an urban district, 25 mph on signed residential roadways where adopted, and 55 mph in other locations. It is 65 mph on non-interstate expressways and freeways, and 70 mph on interstates outside urbanised areas over 50,000 people (65 mph inside). School speed limits are at least 15 mph, and in work zones with workers present the limit drops to 45 mph on faster roads, with a $300 fine for speeding.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 30 mph in an urban 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 | 65 mph [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 70 mph outside urbanised areas over 50,000 population; 65 mph inside [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | Local authorities may set a signed school speed limit, in force when children are present, going to or leaving school or at recess; it may not be lower than 15 mph or more than 30 mph below the established limit. Speeding there adds a surcharge equal to the fine (at least $25). [1] |
| Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph on residential roadways where the road authority has adopted it and posted signs; 35 mph in a rural residential district where adopted and signed. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | On roads with a limit of 50 mph or more the limit is 45 mph in a work zone when a lane is closed and workers are present, unless another limit is set. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300. [1] |
Notes
- The limit is 25 mph on residential roadways and 35 mph in a rural residential district where the road authority has adopted it. Speeds above the limits are prima facie evidence of unreasonable speed, except that a municipal limit is a maximum.
- Applies in locations not otherwise specified in the section. Speeds above the limit are prima facie evidence of unreasonable speed.
- Applies on non-interstate expressways and non-interstate freeways as defined in section 160.02.
- Applies on interstate highways; the urbanised area is defined by order of the commissioner of transportation.
Sources
- Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Minnesota Statutes 169.14 Speed limits, zones; radar (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Minnesota and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 30 mph | 55 mph | 65 mph | 70 mph (65 in urban areas) |
| Iowa | 20 mph business, 25 mph residential | 55 mph | 65 mph (divided, multilane) | 70 mph (interstates) |
| Michigan | 25 mph (business district) | 55 mph | 55 mph | 70 mph |
| North Dakota | 25 mph | 55 mph; 65 mph if posted | 70 mph | 80 mph |
| South Dakota | 25 mph unposted | 65 mph; 55 mph township roads | Up to 70 mph where set and posted | 80 mph |
| Wisconsin | 25 mph; 35 mph outlying | 55 mph | 65 mph expressways | 70 mph |
More rules in Minnesota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 8 plants, max 4 mature
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 15 years
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers/ground devices only) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (sparklers etc.)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Ordinary folding knives not named · Locking or one-handed knives: Automatic switch blade knives banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.41 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Voice/hands-free mode only, device not held
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and all passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, driver and all passengers
- 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.