Car speed limits in Tennessee (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The driver manual states 55 mph on primary and secondary state and federal highways unless otherwise posted, and a statutory maximum of 70 mph on interstate highways, which may be as low as 55 mph in larger urban areas. Exceeding a school-zone limit counts as reckless driving. Speeding in an active work zone carries a fine of $250 to $500.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph on primary and secondary state and federal highways, unless otherwise posted [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | The maximum set by Tennessee law for interstate highways is 70 mph; it may be set as low as 55 mph in some larger urban areas [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | No single figure: school-zone limits apply when children are going to or from school or during a school recess hour. Exceeding the school-zone limit is treated by law as reckless driving and adds six points to the driving record. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Exceeding the speed limit posted in an active highway work zone carries a fine of at least $250 and up to $500. [1] |
Notes
- Figures are from the Department of Safety driver manual, not the statute (T.C.A. § 55-8-152), which could not be read. The state, counties and municipalities may set limits for roads under their control.
Sources
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, "Tennessee Speed Laws" (Internet Archive snapshot of 17 February 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Tennessee and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | ⚠ Not yet verified | 55 mph (unless posted) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 70 mph (as low as 55 mph in cities) |
| Alabama | 30 mph (urban districts) | 55 mph | 65 mph (4+ lanes) | 70 mph |
| Arkansas | 30 mph (urban districts) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | 75 mph (rural, 4+ lanes) |
| Georgia | 30 mph | 55 mph (all other areas) | 65 mph (multi-lane divided) | 70 mph rural, 65 mph urban |
| Kentucky | 35 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph | 65 mph (70 on some) |
| Missouri | 25 mph unless posted | 60 mph | 65 mph (rural) | 75 mph (60 in urban areas) |
| Mississippi | ⚠ Not yet verified | 55 mph (two-lane highways) | 65 mph (four-lane highways) | 70 mph |
| North Carolina | 35 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph (up to 70 if posted) |
| Virginia | 25 mph; 35 mph elsewhere in towns | 55 mph | 55 mph; 60 mph where posted | 55 mph; 70 mph where posted |
More rules in Tennessee
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate restricted licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes where county/city allows sale · Minimum age to buy: 16 (16-17 need photo ID or an adult)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Knives no longer in the go-armed offence (2014) · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; knives deleted from (a)(1) in 2014
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only passengers under 18
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.