Car speed limits in Missouri (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Uniform maximum limits are 75 mph on rural interstates and freeways, 65 mph on rural expressways and 60 mph on other roads outside urbanised areas, and 60 mph on interstates, freeways and expressways in urbanised areas. The Driver Guide gives 25 mph in cities, towns and villages unless posted, and a slower posted limit in school zones when lights flash or children are present. Speeding in a work zone with workers present adds a $250 fine ($300 for later offences).
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 60 mph [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 65 mph on rural expressways [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 75 mph on rural interstates and freeways; 60 mph in urbanised areas [1] |
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph in any city, town or village unless posted otherwise. [2] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | A slower posted speed limit applies in a school zone when lights are flashing or children are present. [2] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Speeding or passing in a signed construction or work zone while highway workers are present adds a fine of $250 for a first offence and $300 for a later offence. [3] |
Notes
- Applies to roads outside urbanised areas not covered by subdivisions (1) to (3). A lettered state two-lane road is limited to 55 mph unless the Department of Transportation sets a higher speed, which may not exceed 60 mph.
- Applies to rural expressways. On interstates, freeways or expressways within urbanised areas the limit is 60 mph. The commission may set a higher or lower limit on state roads, not above 75 mph.
- The commission may set a higher or lower limit on state roads, not above 75 mph.
- Figure from the Department of Revenue Driver Guide. Under RSMo 304.010 cities, towns and villages may regulate speed on state roads within their limits by ordinance, with the approval of the highways and transportation commission.
- The Driver Guide gives no statewide figure; the limit is the one posted.
Sources
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes: RSMo Section 304.010: Definitions - maximum speed limits - cities, towns, villages, certain counties, may set speed limit (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Missouri Department of Revenue: Missouri Driver Guide (revised August 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes: RSMo Section 304.582: Fines for violations in work or construction zones (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Missouri and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 25 mph unless posted | 60 mph | 65 mph (rural) | 75 mph (60 in urban areas) |
| Arkansas | 30 mph (urban districts) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | 75 mph (rural, 4+ lanes) |
| Iowa | 20 mph business, 25 mph residential | 55 mph | 65 mph (divided, multilane) | 70 mph (interstates) |
| Illinois | 30 mph (15 in alleys) | 55 mph | 65 mph (designated, 4+ lanes) | 70 mph |
| Kansas | 30 mph (urban districts) | 65 mph; 55 mph on county roads | 75 mph (as designated) | 75 mph (as designated) |
| Kentucky | 35 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph | 65 mph (70 on some) |
| Nebraska | 25 mph residential, 20 business | 50-65 mph depending on road type | 65-70 mph | 75 mph (65 in parts) |
| Oklahoma | Set by ODOT after a study | Set by ODOT after a study | Set by Transportation Commission | Up to 75 mph (interstate); 80 mph (turnpikes) |
| Tennessee | ⚠ Not yet verified | 55 mph (unless posted) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 70 mph (as low as 55 mph in cities) |
More rules in Missouri
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes, with a registration card
- 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)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers) · Minimum age to buy: 14 (under 14 with parent)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed carry banned only in restricted areas
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 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, driver and front-seat passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: No for adults; children under 16 must be secured
- 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 (supplying under 21 banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (supplying under 21 banned)
- 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.