Car speed limits in Oregon (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Unless a different speed is posted, passenger cars may do 20 mph in a business district, 25 mph in a non-arterial residence district and 55 mph elsewhere. The limit is 65 mph on interstate highways, and 70 mph on parts of I-84, I-82 and US 95. School zones have a 20 mph limit at the signed times or when lights flash. Higher presumptive fines apply in highway work zones.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 20 mph in a business district; 25 mph on a non-arterial highway in a residence district; 15 mph on an alley or narrow residential roadway; unless a different speed is posted [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph in locations not otherwise described, unless a different speed is posted; 65 mph on listed parts of US 20, US 26, US 97, US 197, US 395, OR 31, OR 78 and OR 205 [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 65 mph on interstate highways; 70 mph on I-84 from the eastern city limit of The Dalles to the Idaho state line, on US 95 from the Idaho to the Nevada state line, and on I-82 from the Washington state line to I-84 [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 20 mph in a school zone: where a flashing light is used, while it flashes; otherwise between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on school days. At a signed school crosswalk, 20 mph while the light flashes or children are present. [2] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | A traffic violation noted as committed in a highway work zone carries a higher presumptive fine: $225 for a Class D, $325 for Class C, $525 for Class B and $875 for a Class A violation. [3] |
Notes
- Speed limits can be posted under ORS 810.180. School zones are 20 mph when the conditions in ORS 811.111(1)(e) apply.
- Heavy trucks, buses and some other vehicle classes have lower limits (55 mph on most highways).
Sources
- Oregon Legislative Counsel: Oregon Revised Statutes chapter 811, Rules of the Road for Drivers, section 811.111 (2025 edition; Internet Archive snapshot of 23 September 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Oregon State Legislature: ORS chapter 811 Rules of the road for drivers, 2025 edition (Internet Archive snapshot of 23 September 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Oregon State Legislature: ORS chapter 153 Violations and fines, § 153.020 Presumptive fines; highway work zones, school zones and safety corridors (Internet Archive snapshot of 21 April 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Oregon and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 20 mph business; 25 mph residential | 55 mph; 65 mph on listed highways | — | 65 mph; 70 mph on parts of I-84, I-82 |
| California | 25 mph | 55 mph (2-lane undivided) | 65 mph (most highways) | 65 mph (most highways) |
| Idaho | 35 mph | 65 mph state hwys; 55 mph other | 65 mph state hwys; 75 mph interstates | 75 mph (interstates) |
| Nevada | Posted limit; 80 mph cap | Posted limit; 80 mph cap | Posted limit; 80 mph cap | 80 mph maximum |
| Washington | 25 mph | 50 mph county; 60 mph state | — | 60 mph; up to 75 mph where posted |
More rules in Oregon
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Up to 4 plants per residence
- 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: Bicycle
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Non-aerial retail fireworks only
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named in concealed-carry ban · Locking or one-handed knives: Concealed spring/gravity blade banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.55 per hour (standard rate)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free, 18 or older
- 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 (under 21 may not buy or possess) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (under 21 may not buy or possess)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any amount (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.