Car speed limits in New Hampshire (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A speed within the limit is prima facie lawful: 30 mph in a business or urban residence district, 35 mph in a rural residence district and 55 mph in other locations. It is 65 mph on the interstate system and the central and eastern turnpikes where four-lane divided, and 70 mph on part of I-93. In a posted school zone the limit is 10 mph below the usual limit around school opening and closing times. Where road workers are at work, it is at least 10 mph below the usual limit.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 30 mph in a business or urban residence district [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph in other locations; 45 mph on an unimproved rural highway [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph, except 65 mph on interstate and turnpike sections that are four-lane or wider divided highways (70 mph on part of I-93) [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 65 mph (70 mph on part of I-93) [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | In a posted school zone, 10 mph below the usual posted limit from 45 minutes before school opens until it opens, and from school closing until 45 minutes after. [1] |
| Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads | 30 mph in an urban residence district; 35 mph in a rural residence district. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Where road workers are at work on or close to the roadway, at least 10 mph below the usual posted limit, as displayed on signs. [1] |
Notes
- The limit is 35 mph in a rural residence district and on class V highways outside the compact part of a city or town (II(c)). These are prima facie limits.
- An unimproved rural highway is the territory contiguous to a two-lane highway that is not a business, urban residence or rural residence district, where reduced speeds are warranted by highway geometry, lack of paved shoulders or few driveways (RSA 259:116-a). These are prima facie limits; interstate-type roads are covered by II(f).
- The statute has no separate figure for other divided highways. The 65 mph and 70 mph limits in II(f) are maximum lawful speeds; the 55 mph limit is a prima facie limit.
- Applies on the interstate system, the central New Hampshire turnpike and the eastern New Hampshire turnpike where they are four-lane or wider divided highways. The limit is 70 mph on I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border.
Sources
- New Hampshire General Court: RSA 265:60 Basic Rule and Maximum Limits (Internet Archive snapshot) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
New Hampshire and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Massachusetts | 30 mph (prima facie) | 40 mph (prima facie) | 50 mph (prima facie) | 65 mph (listed I-90, I-91, I-95 sections) |
| Maine | 25 mph | 45 mph | Up to 75 mph (controlled-access), else 60 | Up to 75 mph (set by the commissioner) |
| Vermont | 50 mph max; local 25 mph or more | 50 mph | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in New Hampshire
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Violation: $100 fine up to 3/4 oz
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (youth operator licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (learning to drive, accompanied)
- 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 (permissible fireworks, licensed sellers) · Minimum age to buy: 21 (18+ if on active duty)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Knives not named in the carry offence · Locking or one-handed knives: Not named in the carry offence
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed (18+)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Under 18 only · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 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.