Car speed limits in West Virginia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The limit is 25 mph in any business or residence district, 15 mph in a school zone at school times and 55 mph on open country highways. On controlled access and interstate highways the speed limit may not be less than 55 mph where no special hazard exists.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph in any business or residence district; 15 mph in a school zone during recess or opening and closing hours [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph on open country highways, except as otherwise provided in the chapter [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | On controlled access and interstate highways the limit, where no special hazard exists, is not less than 55 mph; the limits in subsection (b) do not apply [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 15 mph in a school zone during school recess or while children are going to or leaving school at opening or closing hours. The zone covers school property and 125 feet along the abutting road; the fine is $100-$500 (up to $25 if the required signs were missing). [1] |
Notes
- The limits may be altered under sections 17C-6-2 and 17C-6-3.
- The statute sets a floor of 55 mph and does not state a maximum figure; the posted limit applies.
Sources
- West Virginia Legislature: West Virginia Code § 17C-6-1, Speed limitations generally; penalty (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
West Virginia and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 25 mph | 55 mph | — | At least 55 mph |
| Kentucky | 35 mph | 55 mph | 55 mph | 65 mph (70 on some) |
| Maryland | 30 mph (35 divided residential) | 50 mph | 55 mph | 70 mph maximum |
| Ohio | 25 mph; 35 mph on some state routes | 55 mph | 60 mph; 65 mph rural expressways | 70 mph rural; 65 mph urban |
| Pennsylvania | 35 mph; 25 mph local residential | 55 mph | — | 65 or 70 mph where 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 West Virginia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (level one permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Allowed; 18+ for concealed · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade/gravity: 18+ may carry concealed
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $8.75 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
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+ (purchase, consume, possess)
- 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.