Car speed limits in Utah (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Passenger cars may do 25 mph in an urban district and 55 mph in other locations unless a different limit is posted. A posted limit may not exceed 65 mph, or 75 mph on a freeway or other limited access highway, unless the Department of Transportation sets a higher limit after a study. Reduced speed school zones have a 20 mph limit with minimum fines from $260.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph in any urban district; 20 mph in a reduced speed school zone [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph in other locations; a posted speed limit may not exceed 65 mph except on a freeway or other limited access highway [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | A posted limit on a freeway or other limited access highway may not exceed 75 mph, unless the Department of Transportation sets a higher limit based on a traffic engineering and safety study [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 20 mph in a reduced speed school zone. Minimum fines for a first offence are $260 (21-29 mph), $420 (30-39 mph) and $760 (40 mph or more); 30 mph or more is a class C misdemeanour. [2] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | No separate statutory work-zone limit: the Department of Transportation may set different speed limits on a highway or section of highway because of highway construction. [2] |
Notes
- Under section 41-6a-602 the Department of Transportation sets the limit for each state highway on the basis of a traffic engineering and safety study, and counties and municipalities do so for their own highways under section 41-6a-603.
Sources
- Utah State Legislature: Utah Code Title 41, Chapter 6a, Part 6, Speed Restrictions (sections 41-6a-601 and 41-6a-602; Internet Archive snapshot of 17 June 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Utah State Legislature: Utah Code Title 41 Chapter 6a Part 6 Speed Restrictions (Internet Archive snapshot of 17 June 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Utah and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 25 mph | 55 mph | — | Posted, up to 75 mph |
| Arizona | 25 mph (prima facie) | 65 mph (prima facie) | — | 65 mph (75 mph where posted) |
| Colorado | 25 mph business, 30 mph residential | 55 mph (40 mph open mountain highways) | 65 mph (four-lane expressways) | 65 mph |
| 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 |
| Wyoming | 30 mph | 70 mph state highways; 65 mph other paved | — | 75 mph; 80 mph where designated |
More rules in Utah
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (licence after 6 months on permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16; under 14 supervised
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no firecrackers, rockets)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed-carry offence covers firearms · 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 (calls allowed) · 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: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any alcohol (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.