For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. From 2015-2019, 15,510 teen drivers ages 16-19 were involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes, with more than one-third of those crashes involving speeding. Speeding, or going too fast for road conditions, is a reckless behavior known to increase the likelihood of injury or death if a crash occurs, especially for newly licensed teens. Following speeding laws can help keep teen drivers safe.

Since the repeal of the National Maximum Speed Limit in 1995, states determine their own speeding laws to set speed limits on their roadways. In many states, maximum speeds vary depending on:

• vehicle type (automobile, truck, motorcycle)
• roadway location (urban, rural, residential)
• time of day

Currently, 41 states have speeding laws that set speed limits to 70 mph or higher on parts of their roadway systems. In a few states, speed limits are not set by law. 

Aggressive Driving Laws

Beyond speeding laws, a growing number of states consider speeding part of a range of unsafe behaviors comprising aggressive driving, with added fines and penalties:

• 15 states have addressed aggressive driving in their legislatures.
• 11 states have passed laws specifically defining aggressive driving actions
• To reduce speeding offenses, many states are increasing data-driven enforcement, technological advances, and public information and education program. 

In most cases to be considered aggressive, a driver must demonstrate more than one action as to endanger other persons or property. Besides speeding, these actions include running red lights or stop signs, preventing other drivers from passing, and illegal driving on the shoulder.

To support stronger speeding and aggressive driving laws in your state, the first step is knowing what’s currently in place. Visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Traffic Safety (IIHS) website for a regularly updated state-by-state guide to speeding laws.

Despite their state laws, parents should include speed management and aggressive driving in their house rules for driving with their newly licensed teens. This includes slowing down in heavy traffic, in inclement weather, and when faced with road construction and other hazards.

Let teens know that state speeding and aggressive driving laws are only a guide for optimal driving conditions. Learning to manage speed based on road conditions and other factors takes time to develop and is a skill that they will need throughout their lives to stay safe.

Watch this video about managing speed on highways: