Car speed limits in Pennsylvania (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Passenger cars may do 35 mph in an urban district and 55 mph in other locations. A residence district on a local, non-numbered highway has a 25 mph limit. The limit is 65 mph or 70 mph on freeways where it is posted. Fines are doubled in posted active work zones when workers are present.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 35 mph in an urban district; 25 mph in a residence district on a highway that is not a numbered traffic route and is classified as a local highway [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph in other locations [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 65 mph or 70 mph on freeways where the department has posted that speed limit [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Fines for speeding and other listed offences are doubled in an active work zone manned by workers, if it is posted with the official sign (a white strobe or similar light shows when workers are present). [2] |
Notes
- The 35 mph and 25 mph limits are effective only where posted (section 3362(b)(1)).
Sources
- Pennsylvania General Assembly: 75 Pa.C.S. § 3362, Maximum speed limits (Internet Archive snapshot of 11 March 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Pennsylvania General Assembly: 75 Pa.C.S. § 3326 Duty of driver in construction and maintenance areas or on highway safety corridors (Internet Archive snapshot of 18 May 2025) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Pennsylvania and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 35 mph; 25 mph local residential | 55 mph | — | 65 or 70 mph where posted |
| Delaware | 25 mph business, 20-25 mph residential | 50 mph (2-lane roads) | 55 mph (4-lane/divided) | 55 mph; 65 mph on part of Route 1 |
| Maryland | 30 mph (35 divided residential) | 50 mph | 55 mph | 70 mph maximum |
| New Jersey | 25 mph (35 mph low-density districts) | 50 mph | ⚠ Not yet verified | 55 mph on interstates; 65 mph where posted |
| New York | 55 mph unless posted lower | 55 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph unless posted higher |
| Ohio | 25 mph; 35 mph on some state routes | 55 mph | 60 mph; 65 mph rural expressways | 70 mph rural; 65 mph urban |
| West Virginia | 25 mph | 55 mph | — | At least 55 mph |
More rules in Pennsylvania
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (junior licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Pedalcycle · Minimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, 18+ (licensed sale outlets) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named in 908 · Locking or one-handed knives: Not named in 908
- 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: Banned (holding) · Hands-free use: Hands-free; one-button only
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only occupants under 18
- 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% (minors)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.