In 2025, nine states will allow drivers to legally drive speeds of 80 mph or more. Interestingly, one stretch in Texas allows drivers to drive at a maximum speed limit of 85 mph, which is the fastest legal speed limit in the country.
It is important to be aware of the various speed limits, especially when driving across states or taking a road trip, to avoid breaking speed limit laws.
These 9 States Now Allow 80+ MPH Driving
The list below shows the states that have officially allowed 80 mph speed limits on select interstate highways.
Texas – It has a maximum speed limit of 85 mph on a 41-mile section of State Highway 130 between Austin and Seguin.
South Dakota – Allows an 80 mph speed limit on most rural interstates except in urban areas near North Sioux City, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. The speed limit was 75 mph and was increased to 80 mph on April 1, 2015.
North Dakota – North Dakota recently increased its legal speed limit to 80 mph on Interstate 29 and 94 on August 1, 2025. However, the speed limit drops to 70 mph in urban zones like Grand Forks, Dickinson, and Jamestown.
Montana – Allows 80 mph for cars on Interstates 15, 90, and 95. Trucks are capped at 75 mph.
Idaho – Allows an 80 mph speed limit on a 30-mile segment of I-80 between Fernley and Winnemucca.
Oklahoma – A 59-mile stretch of I-44 between Chickasha and Lawton is posted at 80 mph.
Wyoming – Allows an 80 mph speed limit on rural sections of Interstates 25, 80, and 90.
Nevada – Allows 80 mph on a 30-mile segment of I-80 between Fernley and Winnemucca.
Utah – Allows 80 mph on Interstates 15, 80, and 84 except certain mountain passes and urban areas.
Why the Speed Limits Are Rising
A number of states have increased speed limits on long straight interstates with light traffic. These states include North Dakota, which recently increased its speed limit to 80 mph on August 1, 2025. Those supporting the increases argue that the modern road designs and vehicles have enhanced safety at high speeds and therefore, there are no risks associated with the 80 mph limits.
According to State Representative Ben Koppelman, responsible for a bill to raise the speed limit in the state to 80 mph, the most important thing is to allow drivers to travel at speeds they feel are safe and reasonable, and not to match the speed limit. In his proposal, he argued that neighboring states like South Dakota, Montana, Utah, Idaho, and Texas allow 80 mph speed limits and even some 85 mph, yet North Dakota has highways with the least number of hills and curves.
But Not Everyone’s on Board
While these nine states have increased speed limits, some safety experts warn that raising speed limits comes with increased risks. According to the North Dakota Department of Transportation, speed and aggressive driving were associated with about one-third of the state’s fatal crashes in 2023.
Other experts warned that even small increases in legal speed limits could result in fatal crashes.
Know Before You Go
It is essential to be up-to-date with speed limits not just between states, but also between states in the same state, construction zones, and mountain passes. This is important to avoid fines for speeding. For instance, you could face a minimum fine of $45 or even more for driving 16 mph over the limit on high-speed roads.
Conclusion
Texas tops all nine states at an 85 mph speed limit. While increased speed limits allow drivers to move faster, it is essential to prioritize safety and also balance speed depending on road, weather, and traffic conditions.