Texas Urban Speed Limit: 30 mph for Passenger Cars on Numbered Highways

Under Texas Transportation Code §545.352, the default maximum speed limit for passenger cars on state-numbered or U.S.-numbered highways within an urban district is 30 miles per hour.

Key Definitions

• Urban district: Territory contiguous to a highway where structures (homes, businesses) are spaced <100 ft apart for ≥¼ mile.
• Numbered highway: Any road designated with a state (SH, FM, RM) or U.S. (US) route number.
• Passenger car: Vehicle designed for ≤10 passengers; excludes motorcycles, trucks >1 ton, buses.

Important Exceptions

• Higher limits may be posted based on engineering studies (e.g., 35, 40, 45 mph on arterial roads).
• School zones: 15–20 mph when flashing.
• Alleys: 15 mph.
• This statute does not apply to Interstate highways (typically 55–65 mph in urban areas).

Bottom line: Unless otherwise posted, 30 mph is the legal max on numbered non-Interstate highways in built-up Texas areas.