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Speed & Compliance Guide

Truck Speed Limits by State 2026

Speed limits for commercial motor vehicles vary significantly across the United States. Some states allow trucks at 80 mph while California caps them at 55. This guide provides the complete state-by-state reference for CMV speed limits, split speed limits, and hammer lane restrictions in 2026.

OT

O Trucking Editorial Team

Trucking Industry Experts

Published: February 20, 2026Updated: February 20, 2026

Fact-Checked by O Trucking Dispatch Team

5+ years planning routes across 48 states with speed limit compliance

5+ Years Experience80+ Carriers ServedIndustry Data Verified

This article was written by the O Trucking editorial team with 9+ years of combined trucking industry experience. Learn more about us.

Sample Truck Speed Limits by State

This table shows maximum truck interstate speed limits for selected states. Always verify current posted limits as they change:

StateTruck InterstateCar InterstateSplit?
California55 mph65-70Yes
Oregon55-65 mph55-65Some roads
Indiana65 mph70Yes
Ohio65 mph70Yes
Texas70-80 mph75-85Some roads
Utah75-80 mph75-80No
Wyoming75 mph80Yes
Illinois65 mph70Yes
Georgia70 mph70No
Florida70 mph70No

California's 55 MPH Truck Limit Is Strictly Enforced

California is the most important split-speed state to know about. The 55 mph truck speed limit applies on ALL freeways, even where cars are posted at 70 mph. CHP actively enforces this limit, and tickets are expensive. If you run California regularly, set your governor accordingly or be extremely vigilant about speed.

Know the Limits Before You Cross the State Line

As an OTR driver, you may cross 5-10 state lines in a single trip. Truck speed limits can change from 75 to 55 at a state line. Use your ELD/GPS navigation to alert you to speed limit changes, and always watch for posted signs. A speeding ticket in a split-speed state where you did not know the truck limit is still a ticket.

Truck Speed Limits FAQ

Common questions about truck speed limits by state

What states have split speed limits for trucks?

Several states have split speed limits where trucks have a lower speed limit than passenger vehicles. Notable split-speed states include California (55 mph trucks vs 65-70 cars), Oregon (55 trucks vs 65 cars on some roads), Washington (60 trucks vs 70 cars on some highways), and Indiana (65 trucks vs 70 cars). Always check state-specific limits as they change.

What is the fastest truck speed limit in the US?

Texas and a few other western states have the highest truck speed limits, with some Texas highways allowing trucks up to 80 mph (though most interstates in Texas are 70-75 for trucks). Utah, Wyoming, and Montana also have relatively high truck limits of 75-80 mph on rural interstates.

What is the slowest truck speed limit in the US?

California has the lowest general truck speed limit at 55 mph on most highways, regardless of the posted speed for passenger vehicles. This 55 mph truck limit is strictly enforced and applies on freeways where cars may be traveling at 65-70 mph.

Can trucks use the left lane in all states?

No. Many states restrict or prohibit trucks from using the left lane (hammer lane) on highways with three or more lanes. Some states ban trucks from the left lane entirely; others restrict left-lane use to passing only. Violations can result in fines. Check each state's truck lane restrictions before assuming you can use the left lane.

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