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Is there a 75 mph speed limit?

Yes. In the United States, many states post 75 mph speed limits on rural interstates and other limited-access highways, and 75 mph (about 120 km/h) is also a common motorway limit in several countries that use metric units. Availability varies by location, road type, and conditions, and some places set higher maximums (up to 80–85 mph) while urban and suburban segments are often lower.

Where you’ll find 75 mph limits in the United States

A 75 mph limit is widely used on rural, limited-access highways—especially in the West and Plains—though not every mile within a state will be posted at 75. Urbanized areas, mountain passes, and congested corridors typically have lower limits, and some states reserve 75 mph for specific freeway segments after engineering studies.

  • Arizona: 75 mph on many rural freeways (for example, parts of I-10 and I-17 outside metro areas).
  • Arkansas: 75 mph on designated rural interstate segments and some divided highways.
  • Colorado: 75 mph on numerous rural interstate stretches.
  • Kansas: 75 mph statewide on many rural interstates and turnpike segments.
  • Louisiana: 75 mph on select rural interstate corridors (notably portions of I-49 and other long rural stretches).
  • Maine: 75 mph on northern I-95 beyond the Bangor–Old Town area.
  • Michigan: Up to 75 mph on hundreds of miles of rural freeways (for example, portions of I-75, US-127, US-131).
  • Nebraska: 75 mph on rural interstate segments (e.g., much of I-80 outside cities).
  • Nevada: 75 mph on many freeways, with some rural corridors posted higher.
  • New Mexico: 75 mph on rural interstate corridors across the state.
  • Oklahoma: 75 mph on many interstates; some toll roads are higher.
  • Texas: Extensive 75 mph postings on rural interstates and state highways, with select corridors higher.
  • Utah: 75 mph on some segments, with 80 mph common on the most rural interstates.

The presence of a 75 mph limit inside these states is segment-specific; always follow the posted signs, as limits can drop near cities, interchanges, or terrain-constrained areas.

States with higher maximums (context)

Several states allow higher limits than 75 mph on certain rural corridors, which helps explain why you might see a mix of 75 and 80+ mph signs during a long trip.

  • Texas: Up to 85 mph on a segment of SH 130; 80 mph posted on several rural interstates in West Texas.
  • Utah: 80 mph on many rural interstate segments.
  • Wyoming: 80 mph on rural interstate corridors.
  • Idaho: 80 mph on rural interstates for passenger vehicles.
  • Montana: 80 mph on rural interstates (with lower limits for heavy trucks).
  • Nevada: 80 mph on parts of I-80 and I-15.
  • South Dakota: 80 mph on rural interstates.
  • Oklahoma: Up to 80 mph on select turnpikes.
  • North Dakota: 80 mph on interstate highways.

These higher ceilings typically apply only to designated rural, access-controlled interstates or toll roads, and lower limits still apply near urban areas, interchanges, and challenging terrain.

International equivalents

Outside the U.S., 75 mph is most often encountered as its metric equivalent, 120 km/h. Many countries use 120–130 km/h limits on motorways, with country- and corridor-specific variations and frequent lower limits near cities, junctions, or in adverse weather.

  • 120 km/h (≈75 mph): Common motorway limit in countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Ireland.
  • 130 km/h (≈81 mph): Typical in France, Italy, and much of Central/Eastern Europe, subject to local exceptions.
  • United Kingdom (reference): 70 mph (≈113 km/h) on motorways and dual carriageways—lower than 75 mph.
  • Australia: Most states cap at 110 km/h (≈68 mph); the Northern Territory permits up to 130 km/h (≈81 mph) on certain highways.

Specific postings differ by country, region, and roadway; always check local signs and regulations, as enforcement and weather rules can alter effective speeds.

Caveats and safety

Even where 75 mph is legal, the posted limit is only one factor. Traffic, weather, vehicle type, and work zones can change what’s allowed—or what’s safe—on any given day.

  • Segment-by-segment posting: Limits can drop quickly near interchanges, towns, curves, grades, or wildlife crossings.
  • Vehicle-specific rules: Some states set lower maximums for heavy trucks or vehicles towing trailers.
  • Variable and seasonal limits: Electronic signs, winter conditions, and high-wind advisories can temporarily reduce limits.
  • Work zones and school zones: Fines and enforcement intensity often increase where workers or children are present.
  • Local enforcement: Tolerances vary; drive to conditions and obey the sign you see, not the general statewide maximum.

When in doubt, default to the posted sign on your segment; laws and postings change, and the on-road sign is the final authority.

Summary

There is a 75 mph speed limit in many places. In the U.S., numerous states post 75 mph on rural interstates and freeways, while some corridors in a handful of states go to 80–85 mph. Internationally, 120 km/h (about 75 mph) is a standard motorway limit in several countries. Always follow current posted signs, which reflect local conditions and the latest regulations.

Do any states have an 80 mph speed limit?

Portions of the Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming road networks have 80 mph (129 km/h) posted limits.

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. 

What is the highest speed limit in Tennessee?

The highest speed limit in Tennessee is 70 mph. This maximum speed is set for interstate highways. 

  • 70 mph: The maximum speed limit for Tennessee’s interstate highways.
  • 65 mph: The speed limit for most other public roads in the state.

Where is there a 75 mph speed limit?

A 75 mph speed limit is common on rural interstates and highways. States like Texas, Utah, and Wyoming often have this limit on open roads.

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