North Dakota speed limits, and how they change your ticket
By Road Ready Safety · Checked against North Dakota law on
Short answer
North Dakota's limits are 25 mph in business and residence districts, 55 on gravel and unposted county roads, 65 on posted two-lane highways, 70 on divided multilane highways and 80 on the interstate. Where the limit is posted above 65, speeding costs $5 per mph over and points start at 6 over.
- Business and residence districts
- 25 mph
- Gravel and unposted county roads
- 55 mph
- Paved two-lane, if posted
- 65 mph
- Divided multilane highways
- 70 mph
- Interstate
- 80 mph
What are North Dakota's speed limits?
From NDCC 39-09-02, unless a sign says otherwise:
| Where | Limit |
|---|---|
| Near a railroad crossing or intersection with an obstructed view | 20 mph |
| Passing a school during recess, or when children are arriving or leaving | 20 mph |
| Business district, residence district or public park | 25 mph |
| Gravel, dirt and loose-surface roads | 55 mph |
| Paved two-lane county and township roads with no limit posted | 55 mph |
| Paved two-lane highways, if posted | 65 mph |
| Paved and divided multilane highways | 70 mph |
| Access-controlled, divided, multilane interstate highways | 80 mph |
NDDOT and local authorities can post lower limits.
Is the posted limit always legal to drive?
No. The basic rule comes first: you may not drive faster than is "reasonable and prudent under the conditions." On ice or in fog, the posted speed can get you a careless driving ticket.
Why does the posted limit matter for a ticket?
North Dakota has two speeding schedules. The line is a posted limit above 65.
| 10 mph over | Limit 65 or less | Limit above 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 0 | 1 |
| Fee | $30 | $50 |
| 20 mph over | Limit 65 or less | Limit above 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 3 | 5 |
| Fee | $80 | $120 |
So 90 in an 80 zone is 1 point and $50. 65 in a 55 zone is no points and $30.
What about school zones and work zones?
They have their own fees. See school zone and work zone speeding.
What does the ticket have to say?
The speed you're alleged to have driven and the lawful speed at that place. NDCC 39-09-02 requires the complaint to specify both.
Where are the full schedules?
Quick answers
What is the speed limit on the interstate in North Dakota?
80 mph on access-controlled, paved and divided multilane interstate highways, unless otherwise posted or required by conditions.
What is the speed limit on a gravel road in North Dakota?
55 mph on gravel, dirt or loose-surface highways, unless conditions require a lower speed.
What is the speed limit in town in North Dakota?
25 mph in a business district, residence district or public park, unless a different speed is posted.
Sources
- North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-09: careless driving and speed limits
- North Dakota Century Code 39-06.1-06: amount of statutory fees
- North Dakota Century Code 39-06.1-10: point schedule and suspension
- NDDOT: Driver License Points Reduction and Points Schedule
We read each source on September 29, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. NDDOT applies any point reduction, and your court handles an election in lieu of points. See a mistake? Email info@roadreadysafety.com.
More North Dakota guides
- How many points is a speeding ticket in North Dakota?
- How much is a speeding ticket in North Dakota?
- School zone and work zone speeding tickets in North Dakota
- Careless driving in North Dakota: points, fee and what to do