7 US States With The Highest Speed Limits (And 7 With The Lowest)

Ever wondered where you can legally push the pedal to the metal? America’s highways feature a fascinating patchwork of speed regulations that vary dramatically from state to state.

Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or just curious about traffic laws, knowing which states let you zoom and which force you to crawl can save you from unexpected tickets.

1. Texas: Where Speed Is King

Lone Star drivers enjoy a blistering 85 mph limit on certain highways, the highest in the nation! State Highway 130 between Austin and San Antonio lets motorists legally fly down the road at speeds that would earn tickets almost anywhere else.

Texas embraces its reputation for doing everything bigger, including speed limits. The toll road was specifically designed for these high speeds, with extra-wide lanes and minimal curves.

2. Montana: Big Sky, Big Speed

Montana’s vast, open landscapes practically beg for high-speed travel. With 80 mph limits on rural interstates, drivers can cover the state’s enormous distances efficiently while enjoying breathtaking mountain vistas.

Locals joke that MT actually stands for “Miles of Travel.” Before 1999, Montana famously had no daytime speed limit at all, operating under a “reasonable and prudent” standard that gave drivers remarkable freedom.

3. Idaho: Potato State, Speedy Highways

Zipping through Idaho’s scenic highways at 80 mph is perfectly legal on rural interstates. The state raised its limits in 2014, recognizing that its long, straight stretches of road could safely accommodate higher speeds.

Famous for potatoes but increasingly known for progressive traffic laws, Idaho balances safety with efficiency. Winter weather often forces practical speed reductions, making these limits seasonal pleasures for many drivers.

4. Nevada: Desert Speedways

Cruising at 80 mph across Nevada’s desert highways feels surprisingly natural. The state’s long, straight interstates connecting Las Vegas to neighboring states were made for efficient travel.

Road trips through Nevada’s arid landscape become considerably shorter thanks to these generous limits.

Minimal rainfall and excellent visibility conditions make these higher speeds reasonably safe, though drivers should watch for wildlife during dawn and dusk.

5. Wyoming: Wide-Open Throttle Territory

Wyoming’s sparse population and endless horizons create perfect conditions for 80 mph driving. The state’s interstates cut through dramatic landscapes where you might drive for miles without seeing another vehicle.

Wind is the real speed demon here, frequently gusting over 60 mph! Truckers particularly appreciate Wyoming’s higher limits, helping them make better time while hauling goods across the country’s least populated state.

6. Utah: Salt Flats and Swift Travel

Utah allows 80 mph on rural interstates, particularly those crossing its famous salt flats. These brilliantly white, perfectly flat stretches seem designed by nature for speed.

The Bonneville Salt Flats, ironically, have hosted world land speed records exceeding 600 mph! Regular motorists must content themselves with the still-generous 80 mph limit, which helps travelers cross the state’s varied terrain efficiently.

7. South Dakota: Rushmore State Rushes Along

Motorists heading to see Mount Rushmore can cruise at 80 mph on South Dakota’s interstates. The state bumped up limits in 2015, acknowledging its predominantly straight, flat highways could handle higher speeds safely.

During the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, these roads fill with thousands of bikers testing their machines. South Dakota’s speed-friendly attitude matches its frontier spirit and wide-open geography.

8. Hawaii: Paradise at a Crawl

Aloha State drivers face a maximum 60 mph limit – the nation’s lowest! Island geography simply doesn’t require interstate-style speeds, with relatively short distances between destinations.

Winding coastal roads and mountain passes demand cautious driving anyway. Many visitors appreciate the slower pace, which complements Hawaii’s relaxed lifestyle and allows better appreciation of the stunning tropical scenery that makes these islands famous worldwide.

9. Alaska: Frontier Speed Restrictions

America’s Last Frontier keeps speeds frontier-appropriate at just 65 mph maximum. Challenging weather conditions including ice, snow, and frequent wildlife crossings make faster travel genuinely hazardous.

Moose collisions remain a serious concern for Alaskan drivers. The state’s rugged terrain and extreme seasonal variations in daylight hours further justify these conservative limits, which help preserve both human and animal lives.

10. New York: Empire State Restraint

New York maintains a surprising 65 mph maximum statewide, even on rural interstates far from NYC’s congestion. This conservative approach dates back to the 1970s energy crisis when national speed limits were reduced.

While neighboring states have since increased their limits, New York held firm. Dense population centers, frequent exits, and the state’s commitment to traffic safety all contribute to maintaining these more moderate speeds throughout the Empire State.

11. Delaware: Small State, Small Speeds

America’s second-smallest state keeps things slow with a 65 mph maximum. Given that Delaware measures just 96 miles long, higher speeds would barely save any time!

You can drive across the entire state in under two hours. Delaware’s compact nature and relatively dense population make these moderate limits practical, with drivers rarely traveling long distances within state borders anyway.

12. New Jersey: Garden State Moderation

Jersey drivers contend with 65 mph maximums, though legendary traffic often makes such speeds theoretical. As America’s most densely populated state, congestion is simply a fact of life here.

The famous New Jersey Turnpike sees over 230 million vehicles annually! These moderate limits reflect practical realities of the state’s crowded roadways, frequent interchanges, and the need to manage traffic flow across its complex transportation network.

13. Rhode Island: Tiny Roads, Tiny Limits

America’s smallest state enforces a 65 mph maximum on its limited interstate mileage. Rhode Island’s compact 37-mile width means you’re never far from your destination anyway!

Dense population and closely spaced exits create traffic patterns unsuited for higher speeds. The Ocean State’s colonial-era road network, often built before automobiles existed, further reinforces the wisdom of these more moderate limits.

14. Connecticut: Nutmeg State Caution

Connecticut rounds out our slow states with a 65 mph maximum that reflects its position in the congested Northeast corridor. The state’s modest size and high population density make faster travel impractical.

Frequent interchange spacing averages just 3.6 miles apart! Connecticut’s careful approach to speed management acknowledges both safety concerns and the practical limitations of its heavily traveled roadways connecting Boston and New York City.