California Speed Limits – National Speed Limits in California

In California a 70 mph (113 km/h) maximum speed limit posted on rural freeways can be found on parts of I-5, I-8, I-10, I-15, I-40, I-205, I-215, I-505, I-580 (between I-205 and I-5), U.S. 101 between San Miguel and King City, and SR 99 south of Madera and Fresno. The highest speed limit on I-80 is 65 mph (105 km/h) because it passes exclusively through urban and mountainous areas.

The default limit on two-lane roads is 55 mph (89 km/h). However, Caltrans or a local agency can post a speed of up to 65 mph (105 km/h) after an engineering study.

The speed limit on the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge and in San Francisco is only 50 mph (80 km/h). In downtown Los Angeles, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph (89 km/h). This includes the entire length of the Pasadena Freeway between Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles, and portions of the Hollywood, Santa Ana, Santa Monica, and Harbor Freeways.

There is a 55 mph (89 km/h) speed limit for trucks with 3 or more axles and all vehicles while towing.

In California, the Maximum Speed in school zones is 15 or 25 mph (24 or 40 km/h), but may only be in effect when children are present within that school zone.