Which states hold trucks below cars, which trucks the rule covers, and where to read each law. Made for owner-operators who run many states.
Many states use one speed limit for cars and trucks, but some hold trucks lower. We have read the law in 20 states so far. 9 of them hold some trucks below cars (Arkansas, California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Virginia and Washington). 2 let the state highway department post a different truck limit. 9 use the same limit for every vehicle. Which trucks count depends on weight, and the rule can cover only some roads. We read each law on October 15, 2026.
Checked against each law on October 15, 2026. This is a guide, not legal advice. The posted sign is the limit you must follow. Laws change, so read the law linked in each card before you rely on it.
This table lists the 20 states we have read so far. Pick a state to jump to the details below. 30 more states are not checked yet and are listed further down.
| State | Trucks | Cars | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Set by signs. The law lets the state post different limits for different kinds of vehicles. | Set by signs. The law's basic limit is 65 mph outside business and residential districts. | Set by signs |
| Arkansas | 70 mph | 75 mph | Lower for trucks |
| California | 55 mph | The posted limit | Lower for trucks |
| Florida | Same as cars | 70 mph on limited access highways. 65 mph on other divided highways with 4 or more lanes outside urban areas. | Same as cars |
| Idaho | Same as cars | 75 mph on interstates. The state can raise it to 80 mph after a study. | Same as cars |
| Illinois | 60 mph on interstates in 6 counties. 70 mph on interstates elsewhere. | 70 mph on interstates | Lower for trucks |
| Indiana | 65 mph | 70 mph | Lower for trucks |
| Kansas | Same as cars | 75 mph on separated multilane highways that the state designates and posts | Same as cars |
| Louisiana | Same as cars | 70 mph on interstates. The law lets the state set higher limits in speed zones it creates. | Same as cars |
| Maryland | Same as cars | The state posts the limit. The law caps it at 70 mph on any highway. | Same as cars |
| Michigan | 65 mph | 70 mph. 75 mph on freeway sections where the state posts it. | Lower for trucks |
| Minnesota | Same as cars | 70 mph on interstates outside urbanized areas. 65 mph inside urbanized areas of more than 50,000 people. | Same as cars |
| Missouri | Same as cars | 75 mph on rural interstates and freeways. 60 mph on interstates in urbanized areas. | Same as cars |
| Montana | 70 mph on interstates. 65 mph on other highways. | 80 mph on interstates outside urbanized areas. 65 mph inside them. | Lower for trucks |
| Nevada | Set by signs. The law lets the state post a lower limit for trucks. | Up to 80 mph where the state posts it | Set by signs |
| Ohio | Same as cars | 70 mph on rural freeways. 65 mph on freeways in urbanized areas. | Same as cars |
| Oregon | 55 mph, unless the state posts a different limit. 65 mph on I-84 east of The Dalles. | 65 mph on interstates unless posted otherwise. 70 mph on I-84 east of The Dalles. | Lower for trucks |
| South Carolina | Same as cars | 70 mph on interstates and other freeways where signs say so | Same as cars |
| Virginia | Same as cars on interstates. 45 mph on smaller roads. | 70 mph on interstates where signs say so. 55 mph on smaller roads. | Lower for trucks |
| Washington | 60 mph | Up to 75 mph where the state posts it | Lower for trucks |
In these states the law sets a lower limit for some trucks. Check which trucks it covers and which roads, because many of these rules apply only above a set weight or only on some highways.
We read this on FindLaw's copy of the code, current as of March 28, 2024. Check the state code for the latest text.
We read this on a public copy of the code (public.law), checked October 12, 2026. Check the state code for the latest text.
We read this on FindLaw's copy of the code, current as of January 1, 2026. Check the state code for the latest text.
In these states the law lets the highway department post a different limit for trucks, or for different kinds of vehicles. The number you must follow is on the sign.
In these states the speed limit sections we read set no separate truck limit. Trucks follow the same limit as cars.
We add states in batches. A state on this list has not been read yet. That does not mean it has no truck limit. Follow the posted signs and check the state's law before you rely on a number.
Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
For a quick national overview, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety keeps a speed limit table. It shows posted limits, not the text of the laws, so use it as a starting point only.
See how a slower average speed changes your drive time and your day.
Open toolSee how speed changes your fuel use and your cost per mile.
Open toolSee what a trip costs in fuel at the speed you drive.
Open toolLog your driving and see how many hours you have left today.
Open toolShort answers to what drivers ask most about truck speed limits.
In some states, yes. Of the 20 states we have read so far, 9 hold some trucks below cars. In 9 the law has no separate truck limit. In 2, the state highway department can post a different limit for trucks, so read the signs.
Among the states we have read, California holds trucks with 3 or more axles to 55 mph. Oregon holds heavy trucks to 55 mph unless the state posts a different limit. Washington sets 60 mph for vehicles over 10,000 pounds. Illinois sets 60 mph on interstates in six counties around Chicago.
It depends on weight, and each state counts it differently. Oregon covers motor trucks rated over 10,000 pounds. Washington covers vehicles over 10,000 pounds. Michigan covers 10,000 pounds or more. Illinois covers 8,001 pounds or more in six counties. Indiana and Arkansas start at 26,000 pounds. Montana covers trucks over 1 ton rated capacity. California goes by axles and towing. Check the card for your state.
Follow the sign. Many state laws let the highway department set the limit on signs, and the limit takes effect when the signs go up. Arizona's law says this. If you are not sure, drive at the lower number and check the state's law.
We add states in batches, and a state that is missing has not been checked yet. It does not mean there is no truck limit. Read the posted signs, and check the state's law before you rely on a number. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety keeps a national speed limit table that you can use as a starting point.
No. Hours of service limits driving time, not speed. A lower truck limit means a trip takes longer, which uses more of your driving hours. Our hours of service trip planner can show how a slower average speed changes your day.