Motorcycle speed laws are in place to ensure the safety of motorcycle riders and other road users, including pedestrians. Therefore, all motorcycle riders need to know these laws and make an effort to follow them at all times.
The maximum speed limit for motorcycles in the United States varies by state and road type. For example, some states’ maximum speed limit on a rural interstate may be as high as 75 mph. On the other hand, the maximum speed limit on a residential street may be only 25 mph. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to road signs and adhere to whatever is mentioned and follow speed restrictions.
In addition to varying speed limits, other factors can affect the legal speed limit. These may include weather conditions, traffic congestion, and construction. Therefore, it is essential to adjust your speed accordingly in these situations to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
Violating motorcycle speed laws can result in severe consequences. Depending on the state you are in and the severity of the offense, you may face fines and points on your license if caught speeding.
Tips for following motorcycle speed laws
To ensure that you stay within the legal speed limit while riding your motorcycle, there are a few tips that you can follow.
- It is important to give attention to the speedometer to monitor your speed
- Ensure that you are not exceeding the limit
- Pay close attention to road signs and adjust your speed accordingly
- Consider factors such as visibility and road conditions when determining a safe speed
State and local motorcycle speed laws
Speed limits in the United States
General speed limits in the US by road type:
| Road Type | Maximum Speed Limit |
| Rural Interstates | 65-75 mph |
| Urban Interstates | 45-65 mph |
| Other Major Roads | 45-70 mph |
| Minor Roads | 25-65 mph |
| School Zones | 20-25 mph |
| Residential Areas | 25 mph |
| Construction Zones | 25-45 mph |
Speed limits in the United States by jurisdiction
Below is a brief about speed limits in different states –
| State | School Zones | Residential |
| Arizona | 15 mph (24 km/h) | 25 mph (40 km/h) |
| Arkansas | 25 mph (40 km/h) | 30 mph (48 km/h) |
| California | 15 or 25 mph (24 or 40 km/h) | 15 or 25 mph |
| Delaware | 20 mph (32 km/h) | 25 mph (40 km/h) |
| Florida | 10–20 mph (16–32 km/h) | 30 mph (48 km/h) |
| Maine | 15 mph (24 km/h) | 25 mph (40 km/h) |
| Massachusetts | 20 mph (32 km/h) | 30 mph (48 km/h) |
| Montana | 15–35 mph (24–56 km/h) | 35–45 mph (56–72 km/h) |
| Nevada | 15 to 25 mph | 25 to 30 mph |
| New Hampshire | 30 mph (48 km/h) | 30 mph (48 km/h) |
| New Jersey | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| New York | 20 mph to 30 mph | 30 mph |
| North Dakota | 15–25 mph | 25-40 mph |
| Puerto Rico | 15 to 25 mph (24–40 km/h) | 35 mph (56 km/h) |
Lane Splitting Rules of the Road
Lane splitting refers to a motorcycle rider riding between lanes of stopped or slower-moving vehicles, typically in congested traffic. While lane splitting is legal in some countries, it is currently not legal in most states in the US.
In the US, motorcycles must follow the same road rules as other vehicles. This includes driving in a designated lane, not changing lanes, or passing other cars recklessly or dangerously.
There are some additional rules that motorcycle riders should be aware of in the US. For example, most states require motorcycles to have a designated lane position and prohibit riders from riding between traffic lanes or on the road’s shoulder. Some states also have specific helmet laws for motorcycle riders and passengers, requiring a helmet that meets particular safety standards.
Below are some of the lane-splitting laws in different states:
Illegal: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Legal: California
Not Specified: Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia, Montana
Other/Unknown: Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Utah, Washington D.C., Washington
State and local motorcycle speed laws
Motorcycle Speed Limits FAQs
Are motorcycles required to follow the same speed limits as other vehicles?
Yes, motorcycles are required to follow the same speed limits as other vehicles.
Can you get pulled over for going too slow on a motorcycle?
In most cases, no. However, you may be pulled over if driving significantly below the speed limit and causing a traffic hazard or obstruction.
What happens if you get a speeding ticket on a motorcycle?
If you get a speeding ticket on a motorcycle, you may face fines and points on your license, depending on your state and the offense’s severity. In some cases, your motorcycle insurance premiums may also increase.
Are there any circumstances where it is legal to exceed the speed limit on a motorcycle?
There are generally no circumstances where it is legal to exceed the speed limit on a motorcycle. However, in cases such as when responding to an emergency, one might be permitted to exceed the speed limit if it is done safely temporarily.
