Car speed limits in North Dakota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Passenger cars are presumed lawful at 25 mph in business and residence districts, 20 mph when passing a school at school times, and 55 mph on unposted paved two-lane county and township highways. The figure is 65 mph on posted paved two-lane highways, 70 mph on paved divided multilane highways and 80 mph on access-controlled divided interstates. Speeding in a highway construction zone with workers present carries a minimum $150 fee where signed.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph on any highway in a business district, a residence district or a public park, unless local authorities post a different speed [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph on gravel, dirt or loose-surface highways and on paved two-lane county and township highways with no posted limit; 65 mph on paved two-lane highways if posted for that speed [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 70 mph on paved and divided multilane highways [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 80 mph on access-controlled, paved and divided multilane interstate highways [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 20 mph when passing a school during school recess or while children are going to or leaving school at opening or closing hours, unless local authorities post a lower speed. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Where workers are present and the posted sign says "Minimum Fee $150", speeding in a highway construction zone costs $150 for 1-10 mph over the posted limit, plus $2 for each further mph. [2] |
Notes
- These are presumptive speeds ("presumably lawful"). They are subject to the reasonable-and-prudent rule and to any lower posted or required speed.
Sources
- North Dakota Legislative Assembly: North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-09, Speed Restrictions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- North Dakota Legislative Branch: North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-06.1 (Disposition of traffic offences), § 39-06.1-06 Amount of statutory fees (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
North Dakota and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 25 mph | 55 mph; 65 mph if posted | 70 mph | 80 mph |
| Minnesota | 30 mph | 55 mph | 65 mph | 70 mph (65 in urban areas) |
| Montana | 25 mph | 70 mph day / 65 night | 75 mph day / 70 night | 80 mph (65 in urban areas) |
| South Dakota | 25 mph unposted | 65 mph; 55 mph township roads | Up to 70 mph where set and posted | 80 mph |
More rules in North Dakota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Infraction under 1/2 oz (fine only) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (restricted licence at 15) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Limited list of items only · Minimum age to buy: 12
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named if blade under 6 in · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade/gravity knives named
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: 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: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.