Car speed limits in Texas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Passenger cars may do 30 mph in an urban district and 70 mph on numbered state and US highways outside urban districts. The limit is 60 mph on other highways outside urban districts. The Texas Transportation Commission may set higher limits, up to 85 mph, on suitable parts of the highway system. Fines are doubled in construction or maintenance work zones when workers are present.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 30 mph in an urban district on a street other than an alley; 15 mph in an alley [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 70 mph on a highway numbered by this state or the United States outside an urban district, including farm-to-market and ranch-to-market roads; 60 mph on other highways outside an urban district [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | No separate statutory figure: the numbered-highway limit of 70 mph applies unless the Texas Transportation Commission sets another; it may set 75 mph, 80 mph on parts of I-10 and I-20 in named counties, and up to 85 mph on suitably designed highway [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Minimum and maximum fines are doubled for a traffic offence in a construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present (and the citation says so). For speeding, this applies only if the zone has a sign showing the maximum lawful speed. [2] |
Notes
- These are prima facie speed limits. An "urban district" is territory with structures used for business, industry or dwellings at intervals of less than 100 feet for at least a quarter of a mile on either side of the highway. Daytime and night limits are the same.
Sources
- Texas Legislature: Texas Transportation Code chapter 545, Operation and Movement of Vehicles, subchapter H, sections 545.352 and 545.353 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Texas Legislature: Texas Transportation Code chapter 542, § 542.404 Fine for offense in construction or maintenance work zone (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Texas and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 30 mph | 70 mph; 60 mph on unnumbered roads | — | 70 mph; up to 85 mph where set |
| Arkansas | 30 mph (urban districts) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | 75 mph (rural, 4+ lanes) |
| Louisiana | 55 mph unless posted lower | 55 mph unless posted lower | 65 mph | 70 mph |
| New Mexico | 30 mph | 75 mph (55 mph unposted county roads) | 75 mph (general maximum) | 75 mph maximum |
| Oklahoma | Set by ODOT after a study | Set by ODOT after a study | Set by Transportation Commission | Up to 75 mph (interstate); 80 mph (turnpikes) |
More rules in Texas
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class C, after 6 months on permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 15
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no bottle rockets) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No carry ban for blades up to 5.5 in · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- 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 (minors may not buy) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (minors may not buy)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.