Is there a 100 mph speed limit in the United States?

No. There is no 100 mph posted speed limit anywhere in the United States. The highest posted limit is 85 mph on a single stretch of toll road in Texas. While “100 mph” does appear in several state laws, it does so as a threshold for enhanced penalties or license suspensions—not as a legal speed limit.

What U.S. law allows today

Speed limits in the U.S. are set by states (and, within states, by transportation agencies) based on engineering studies, safety data, and legislative caps. Since Congress repealed the national maximum speed limit in 1995, states have steadily adjusted limits upward on some rural freeways—but none have authorized 100 mph. The practical ceiling remains 85 mph, limited to one corridor in Texas, with a handful of states posting 80 mph on select rural interstates.

Where the highest posted limits are (2025)

The following examples illustrate where the country’s fastest legal speed limits are currently posted. These are typical maximums on select corridors rather than statewide blanket limits.

• Texas: 85 mph on State Highway 130 (a toll road segment southeast of Austin). Many rural interstates post 80 mph.
• Utah, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Nevada, Idaho, and Oklahoma: Up to 80 mph on designated rural interstate segments.
• North Dakota: 80 mph on rural interstates after a 2024 change.
• Several other states (e.g., Michigan, Kansas, Maine): 75 mph on select freeways; most others top out at 70 mph on rural interstates.

These top-end limits apply only where specifically posted and typically exclude urban stretches, mountainous terrain, or areas with higher crash risk. Variable or advisory speed signs may adjust speeds downward with weather and traffic; none raise limits beyond the posted maximums above.

Where “100 mph” does appear—in penalties, not limits

Although you won’t find a 100 mph speed limit sign, multiple states use 100 mph as a legal trigger for tougher consequences. In some jurisdictions, crossing that threshold can lead to mandatory license suspensions, higher fines, or even criminal charges. Importantly, these provisions do not authorize driving 100 mph; they penalize it.

Examples of 100 mph penalty triggers

Below are illustrative examples of how states treat speeds at or above 100 mph. Statutes and fine schedules can change, and penalties often increase with prior offenses or aggravating factors.

• California: Driving 100 mph or more is a special offense under Vehicle Code 22348(b), carrying steep fines, a two-point license assessment, a mandatory court appearance, and potential license suspension at the judge’s discretion. Repeated offenses can trigger longer suspensions.
• Minnesota: A conviction for driving 100 mph or more typically results in an automatic six-month driver’s license revocation, along with fines and insurance impacts.
• Oregon: State law mandates a 30- to 90-day license suspension for driving 100 mph or greater, in addition to a high-dollar citation.
• Virginia (context): While not tied specifically to 100 mph, exceeding 85 mph or driving 20 mph over the limit is a Class 1 misdemeanor (reckless driving). Courts frequently impose jail time for triple-digit speeds.

The upshot: 100 mph is a legal red line in several states—one associated with escalated penalties, not permission.

History and common misconceptions

After the national 55 mph cap ended in 1995, some states raised freeway limits. Montana briefly tried a non-numeric “reasonable and prudent” daytime rule (1995–1999) before courts struck it down; it now posts numeric limits up to 80 mph on rural interstates. No U.S. state has adopted a 100 mph limit, and the German Autobahn’s de-restricted sections have no U.S. equivalent. Advisory speeds, vehicle speedometer markings, or “flow of traffic” customs do not override posted limits or basic speed laws requiring safe operation for conditions.

Practical takeaways for drivers

If you’re planning high-speed highway travel in the U.S., keep the following points in mind.

• There is no legal 100 mph posted limit anywhere in the United States.
• The fastest posted speeds are 80–85 mph, limited to specific rural corridors.
• Hitting 100 mph can trigger mandatory suspensions, hefty fines, and in some states criminal charges.
• Always follow posted signs and adjust for weather, traffic, and road conditions—even below the limit.

Bottom line: treat 100 mph as a legal hazard marker, not a permissible cruising speed.

Summary

No U.S. jurisdiction posts a 100 mph speed limit. The nation’s highest posted limit is 85 mph on a single Texas toll road segment, with several states allowing 80 mph on select rural interstates. Speeds of 100 mph are broadly penalized—often severely—through enhanced fines, mandatory license suspensions, or criminal charges.

Can you go 100 mph on the freeway?

California Vehicle Code 22348 VC imposes the penalties for driving over 100 miles per hour on a freeway. This offense is punished by up to $1000 in fines, two points on the person’s driver’s license, and a possible driver’s license suspension.

What is the highest speed limit in the USA?

The highest speed limit in the United States is 85 mph, found on a stretch of Texas State Highway 130 between Austin and San Antonio. This is the maximum allowed speed on any highway in the US, though most states have lower maximum limits, often between 65 and 75 mph for rural interstates.
 
Key Details

• Texas SH 130: This specific toll road is the location of the 85 mph limit. 
• State-by-State Variation: Speed limits are set by individual states, leading to a wide range of maximum speeds across the country. 
• Common Limits: Many states have maximum limits of 70 or 75 mph, especially on rural interstates. 
• Other High Limits: Some other states, such as Utah and Idaho, have designated highways with 80 mph speed limits. 
• Context: The speed limits are set by state lawmakers to match modern vehicle capabilities and road conditions, though higher speeds can also increase the risk of accidents. 

Is there a 100 mph speed limit in the US?

No, there is no 100 mph speed limit on any public roadway in the U.S. The highest posted speed limit in the United States is 85 mph, which is found on a specific section of Texas State Highway 130, a toll road designed for high-speed travel. 
Here’s a breakdown of speed limits in the U.S.:

• Highest Speed Limit: 85 mph in Texas. 
• Other High Speed Limits: Some states, like Utah, have highways with 80 mph speed limits. 
• Variations by State: Speed limits vary significantly by state and even by road type within a state. 
• Rural vs. Urban: Rural interstate highways often have higher limits (70–80 mph) than those in urban areas. 
• No Nationwide Standard: After 1995, states were given the power to set their own speed limits, so there isn’t a single federal standard for all roads. 

Can you go 200 mph in Germany?

Most of these are switched off (= no limit) under good conditions. In sections of the motorway system without speed limit it is possible to be overtaken by cars or motorcycles travelling over 200 km/h (125 mph). However, a recommended speed limit (Richtgeschwindigkeit) of 130 km/h (81 mph) applies.