Missouri Speed Limit - Rural Freeways

The maximum speed limit on rural freeways and interstates in Missouri is 70 miles per hour. "Rural freeways" are the sections of major highways that passing through rural and sparsely populated areas, and can safely allow faster driving. Rural highways will generally have the highest legal speed limits in Missouri.

In Missouri, trucks have a reduced maximum speed limit of 70 mph on rural freeways.

Missouri Speed Limit - Urban Freeways

The maximum speed limit on urban freeways and interstates in Missouri is 65 miles per hour. "Urban freeways" are the segments of large highways that are located within a city or densely populated area's limits, and are generally more prone to traffic congestion and other hazards.

In most cases, the freeway's speed limit will return to the rural freeway speed limit of 70 mph after the road passes through the most densely populated area.

Missouri Speed Limit - Divided Roads

The maximum speed limit on divided roads in Missouri is 70 miles per hour. Divided roads must have a concrete median or buffer zone separating opposite lanes, and may have one or more lanes going in the same direction.

Because the median helps protect drivers from head-on collisions, Missouri has a higher maximum speed limit for divided roads than undivided roads.

Missouri Speed Limit - Undivided Roads

The maximum speed limit on rural undivided roads roads in Missouri is 65 miles per hour. This category includes most small backroads and local routes.

When these routes pass through a residential or heavily-trafficked area, the speed limit will usually drop to 40 mph or below.

Missouri Speed Limit - Residential Areas

The maximum speed limit on residential roads in Missouri is 40 miles per hour. Residential roads have the most potential for speed-based accidents and collisions, so residential districts tend to have the lowest speed limits with the most strict enforcement policies.

When driving in residential areas be on the lookout for school, hospital, and construction zones. These areas often have even lower speed limits, with strict enforcement and heavy fines for speeding.