How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Indiana Speed Limits Explained
Indiana law requires drivers to operate vehicles at the posted speed limit, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles says. Here are the maximums Indiana sets for interstates, highways, county roads, neighborhoods and alleys, how school and work zones change them, and the points a speeding ticket adds, for drivers around Michigan City.

The short answer
Indiana passenger vehicles may not exceed 70 mph on rural interstates, 60 mph on rural state divided highways, 55 mph on urban interstates, non-divided state highways and county roads, 30 mph in most urban residential areas and 15 mph in alleys, or the posted limit where it differs. School and work zones are lower.
Rural interstate and highway speed limits
Rural interstate highways are outside urban areas with a population of at least 50,000 people. The BMV lists:
| Road and vehicle | Maximum speed |
|---|---|
| Rural interstate, passenger vehicles | 70 mph or the posted limit |
| Rural interstate, trucks with a declared gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds | 65 mph or the posted limit |
| Rural state divided highway | 60 mph or the posted limit |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles), Chapter 7, Speed Limits, read October 28, 2026. This page is a summary, not legal advice.
Urban speed limits
Urban areas have a population of at least 50,000 people. The BMV lists:
| Road | Maximum speed |
|---|---|
| Urban interstate highway | 55 mph or the posted limit |
| Non-divided state highway | 55 mph or the posted limit |
| County roads | 55 mph or the posted limit |
| Most urban residential areas | 30 mph or the posted limit |
| Alleys | 15 mph or the posted limit |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, Speed Limits, read October 28, 2026.
School zones, work zones and school buses
The BMV manual adds these lower limits:
School zones
Slow to the lower posted school zone limit. Common hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or when the school speed limit beacons are flashing; local authorities may also set lower limits whenever children are present.
Highway work zones
Work site limits are always at least 10 mph below the maximum for the area. Some apply only when flashing; others apply at all times.
School buses
Off interstates and state highways, a school bus may go no faster than 40 mph unless the posted limit is lower; on an interstate or highway, 60 mph or the posted limit.
Always the sign
Indiana law requires drivers to operate at the posted speed limit, so a sign that differs from these maximums is the one to follow.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, Speed Limits, read October 28, 2026.
Slow down when conditions are poor
Excessive speed is dangerous even when conditions are ideal, the BMV says, and driving at or above the posted limit is even more dangerous in bad weather and poor visibility, on slick or icy roads, with unsafe vehicle conditions or worn tires, when the driver's physical condition is impaired, or when the road surface is hazardous.
Speed also adds distance fast: the manual's chart shows a vehicle covers about 51 feet each second at 35 mph, about 81 feet at 55 mph and about 103 feet at 70 mph. A good rule is to stay at least two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead, the BMV says.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7, Speed Limits and Braking and Following Distances, read October 28, 2026.
Points for speeding in Indiana
The BMV's Point Study Committee assigns these example point values for speeding:
| Speed over the limit | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 to 15 mph over | 2 points |
| 16 to 25 mph over | 4 points |
| 26 mph or more over | 6 points |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 5, Point Values, read October 28, 2026. Points stay active on your driver record for two years from the conviction date. The complete point value table is on the BMV website.
Keep your tires and brakes ready
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. The BMV lists worn tires among the conditions that make speed more dangerous; The Works is a general vehicle checkup you can book any time of year.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, October 28, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Indiana speed limit FAQ
What is the speed limit on Indiana interstates?
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says passenger vehicles may not exceed 70 mph, or the posted limit, on rural interstate highways, and vehicles may not exceed 55 mph, or the posted limit, on urban interstate highways.
What counts as an urban area for Indiana speed limits?
The manual describes urban areas as having a population of at least 50,000 people. Rural interstate highways are those outside such urban areas.
What is the speed limit in an Indiana neighborhood?
The manual says that in most urban residential areas vehicles may not exceed 30 mph, and in alleys 15 mph, unless a different limit is posted.
When do Indiana school zone speed limits apply?
The BMV says common school zone hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or when school speed limit beacons are flashing. Local authorities may also set lower school zone limits whenever children are present.
How much lower are work zone speed limits in Indiana?
The manual says work site speed limits are always at least 10 mph below the maximum established for the area. Some are in effect only when flashing; others are in effect at all times.
How many points is a speeding ticket in Indiana?
The BMV lists 2 points for 1 to 15 mph over the limit, 4 points for 16 to 25 mph over, and 6 points for 26 mph or more over. Points stay active on your driver record for two years from the conviction date.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Speed limit and point details are from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver's Manual, read October 28, 2026. This page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual: Chapter 5 Point Values; Chapter 7 Speed Limits, Braking and Following Distances, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, read October 28, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, October 28, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, October 28, 2026