Car speed limits in Washington (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The maximum is 25 mph on city and town streets, 50 mph on county roads and 60 mph on state highways. The Secretary of Transportation may increase the limit on a highway to not more than 75 mph. The limit is 20 mph at signed school and playground crossings. Speeding penalties are doubled in school zones and roadway construction zones.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph on city and town streets [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 50 mph on county roads; 60 mph on state highways [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 60 mph on state highways; the Secretary of Transportation may increase the limit on a highway to not more than 75 mph, effective when signs are erected [2] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 20 mph when passing a marked school or playground crosswalk posted with school or playground speed signs, for 300 feet either side; local authorities may also set 20 mph zones next to schools and playgrounds. Penalties for speeding there are doubled and cannot be waived or reduced. [3] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | In a roadway construction zone the speed shown by traffic control devices applies; speeding penalties there are doubled and cannot be waived, reduced or suspended. [4] |
Notes
- The limits may be altered under RCW 46.61.405, 46.61.410 and 46.61.415. Local authorities may set limits of not less than 20 mph and, on arterial streets, not more than 60 mph (RCW 46.61.415).
Sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 46.61.400, Basic rule and maximum limits (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 46.61.410, Increases by secretary of transportation (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 46.61.440 Maximum speed limit when passing school or playground crosswalks (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 46.61.527 Roadway construction zones (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Washington and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 25 mph | 50 mph county; 60 mph state | — | 60 mph; up to 75 mph where posted |
| Idaho | 35 mph | 65 mph state hwys; 55 mph other | 65 mph state hwys; 75 mph interstates | 75 mph (interstates) |
| 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 |
More rules in Washington
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Prohibited (medical patients: 6 plants)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 if in driver training; otherwise 15.5
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no rockets, firecrackers) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Allowed unless intimidating or alarming · Locking or one-handed knives: Spring blade banned; assisted opening not
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.13 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: 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: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.