Speed Limits

Speed limits are posted to protect the public by informing drivers of the authorized, allowable speed. Common speed limits are typically statutory as stated in Montana Code Annotated 61-8-303. Speed restrictions.

Daytime speed limits are in effect from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Nighttime speed limits are in effect at any other time.

The speed limits in Table 1 went into effect October 1, 2019. These speed limits apply unless otherwise posted.

Table 1. Speed Limits (in miles per hour)
Type of Highway Cars and Light Trucks Heavy Trucks*
Daytime Nighttime Daytime Nighttime
Interstate 80 80 70 70
Interstate Within Urban Area ** 65 65 65 65
Two-lane 70 65 65 65
* over one ton manufacturer's rated capacity
** Billings, Great Falls and Missoula

The Law

61-8-303. Speed restrictions.
61-8-309. Establishment of special speed zones.
61-8-310. When local authorities may and shall alter limits.
61-8-312. Special speed limitations on trucks, truck tractors, and motor-driven cycles.

Setting the Speed Limit

Speed limits are posted only after a traffic and safety engineering study has been conducted and (where applicable) approved by the Transportation Commission.

Engineering Considerations

Before setting limits, a traffic investigator considers:

  • the length and width of roadway,
  • the roadway type and condition,
  • the location of access roads and intersections,
  • existing traffic control,
  • sight distance,
  • crash history,
  • and traffic speed studies.

To ensure a consistent approach to speed limits statewide, the traffic investigator also considers nationally accepted principles.

The 85th Percentile

85th percentile image

Decisions about rational speed limits are based in part on something called a speed study. During the speed study, data is collected at select locations along the roadway. This data is then analyzed to identify the 85th percentile—the speed at which 85 percent of the people drove at or below during ideal conditions.

The 85th percentile speed is typically used as a starting point for setting a rational limit and is considered to be the maximum safe speed for that location.

Mapped Speed Studies

Traffic Investigation

An important part of a traffic investigation is the speed study. Drivers take into consideration the conditions of the roadway environment when determining their comfortable driving speed. Thus, the speed which the majority of the drivers consider prudent is an important factor.

Roadway data is collected using automated traffic counters at select locations during ideal driving conditions. A technical analysis is done to determine the 85th percentile. This 85th percentile represents the speed of which people drive during ideal conditions. Experience has shown that a posted speed limit near this value is the maximum safe and reasonable speed most drivers will travel.

Changing the Speed Limit

Concerns about posted speed limits are handled either by MDT or by your local city or county governments. MDT handles requests when the roadway is state- or federally funded. If you're not sure which agency has jurisdiction, you may contact MDT's Traffic and Safety Bureau or your local District Office.

How are Speed Limits Changed?

Requesting a Speed Study

All speed limit investigations are conducted in cooperation with local officials. The initial request for a speed study may come from a concerned citizen, however MDT requires individuals to work with their local government to demonstrate the City or County in question supports conducting a speed study.

Each request is placed on a list and processed in the order it was received unless a higher priority is assigned to it.

How Long Does It Take?

The speed study typically takes 9-12 months to complete. This allows time for data collection and a comment period before recommendations are presented to the Transportation Commission for action (MCA § 61-8-309).

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Signs are one of many factors motorists take into account when determining an appropriate safe speed. Before and after studies in many Montana communities, and across the country, show that simply lowering the speed limit does not change driver behavior.

No. Raising the speed limit with the consent of local officials simply aligns the speed limit with actual traffic operation during favorable roadway conditions.

Yes. Your local officials are instrumental in having a study conducted and provide valuable insight about the public's view on the speed limit.

For more information, please contact Brenden Borges at 406-444-6255.