District of Columbia Speed Limit
What is the District of Columbia speed limit?
District of Columbia traffic laws define the maximum speed that any motorist travelling on District of Columbia roadways can legally drive. Driving over the District of Columbia speed limit can result in a traffic citation, fine, license suspension, or even arrest.
Washington D.C's speed limits are, in most cases, done by street not area. Here are some examples, on New York Avenue eastbound from Bladensburg Road to the Maryland line the speed limit is 45 mph. On New York Avenue westbound from the Maryland line to Bladensburg Road the speed limit is 40 mph. On Bladensburg Road from Mount Olivet Road and 17th Street to New York Avenue the speed limit is 30 mph. On Canal Road from Chain Bridge to Foxhall Road the speed limit is 40mph.
District of Columbia has a relatively low maximum speed limit. There are a total of 51 states that have higher maximum speed limits than the District of Columbia top speed of 55 miles per hour.
SPEED LIMIT
55
District of Columbia Speed Limit - Urban Freeways
The maximum speed limit on urban freeways and interstates in District of Columbia is 55 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.
SPEED LIMIT
25
District of Columbia Speed Limit - Residential Areas
The maximum speed limit on residential roads in District of Columbia is 25 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.
District of Columbia Speeding Tickets and Citations
Driving over the posted speed limit, driving too fast for conditions, or failing to obey special speed limit zones can result in a District of Columbia speeding ticket, points on your license, and even a license suspension or revocation for repeat offenders.
District of Columbia highway patrol officers monitor traffic using radar, speed traps, and cameras. Radar technology is not exact, and as a general rule an officer will not pull you over for exceeding the speed limit by less than 5 mph (5 mph on a rural freeway, or 5 mph on an rural undivided road). However, any speeds in excess of the posted speed limits can be considered a ticketable offence.