Speed limits — Alabama Permit Test

Alabama's basic speed law says you must never drive faster than is reasonable under existing conditions, considering the road, the weather, your vehicle and your own physical condition.

A posted limit assumes good conditions, so rain, fog or traffic can make a lower speed the legal one.

Alabama’s basic speed law provides that you must never drive a vehicle at a speed that is faster than reasonable under existing conditions.

The statutory speed limit in an urban district is 30 miles per hour, unless other limits are posted.

Towns have people, driveways and cross streets close together, so the limit is kept low.

30 miles per hour in an urban district

The statutory speed limit on an unpaved road is 35 miles per hour.

Gravel and dirt give much less grip, so cars need more room to stop and turn.

35 miles per hour unpaved road

The statutory speed limit on a county paved road is 45 miles per hour, unless otherwise posted.

County roads are narrow and winding with driveways and farm traffic, so the limit sits below the open highway.

45 miles per hour county paved road (unless posted)

The statutory speed limit in other locations not otherwise covered is 55 miles per hour.

55 is the default for the open road when no other limit applies.

55 miles per hour in other locations

Where posted on the interstate, the speed limit is 70 miles per hour.

Interstates are built for higher speeds with wide lanes, gentle curves and no cross traffic.

70 miles per hour where posted on interstate

Where it is posted, a 65 miles per hour speed limit applies.

Some highways are built for faster travel, but the higher limit applies only where a sign says so.

65 miles per hour where posted

Speeds above the posted or statutory limits are prima facie evidence that they are unlawful, and all speed limits in municipalities are maximum speeds.

Going over the limit is taken as proof of unsafe speed unless you can show otherwise.

All speed limits in municipalities are maximum speeds.

Where minimum speed limits are posted, any speed below that minimum is unlawful under normal weather, road and traffic conditions.

A car far slower than the traffic around it causes sudden braking and risky passing.

Where they are posted, any speed below that minimum is considered to be unlawful under normal weather, road, and traffic conditions.

You must never drive so slowly that you interfere with vehicles moving at normal safe speeds; many crashes are caused by drivers who block traffic by driving too slowly.

Traffic flows safely when everyone moves at about the same speed.

Many accidents are caused by drivers who block or hinder other traffic by driving at speeds that are too low.

Slower speeds are needed when approaching or crossing a street, highway or railroad crossing, when approaching flags, flares or fuses, and at hill crests and curves.

These are the places where something can appear in your path with little warning.

Slower speeds are necessary when you approach or cross a street, highway, or railroad crossing and also when approaching flags, flares, or fuses on roads.

What does Alabama's basic speed law require?

Never drive faster than is reasonable for conditions. A posted limit assumes good conditions, so rain, fog or traffic can make a lower speed the legal one. Alabama Driver Manual, p.59: “Alabama’s basic speed law provides that you must never drive a vehicle at a speed that is faster than reasonable under existing conditions.”