Speed limits and the basic speed law

Key points

1. Drive at a speed reasonable for weather, traffic and road conditions. Driving faster than the posted limit is illegal.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “you must drive at a speed that is reasonable for the current conditions, including weather, traffic and road conditions. Driving faster than the posted speed limit is illegal.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 26

2. On two lane highways posted 55 mph or higher, you may go 10 mph faster while lawfully passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “On two-lane highways with a speed limit of 55 mph or higher, you can increase your speed by 10 mph when lawfully passing another vehicle.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 26

3. It is illegal to drive slower than a posted minimum speed under normal conditions.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “It is illegal to drive slower than the posted minimum speed under normal conditions.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 26

4. If you approach an intersection at an unlawful speed, you lose your right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “If you approach an intersection at an unlawful speed, you lose the right-of-way privilege associated with driving at a lawful speed.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 26

5. Unless signs say otherwise: 10 mph in alleys, 30 mph on urban or town roads, 55 mph on other roads outside interstates and expressways.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “10 mph in alleys 30 mph on urban or town roads 55 mph in all other locations that are not specified in this list”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 26

6. Extra fines apply at 20 mph or more over the limit, and over 100 mph means at least six months of revocation.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Additional fines apply if you drive 20 mph or more over the limit. If you drive over 100 mph, your driving privileges will be revoked for at least six months.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

7. Not slowing for a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights adds a surcharge of at least $25.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “You must slow down when you approach or pass a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing emergency lights. A surcharge of at least $25 is added to the speeding fine if you break this law.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

8. On gravel or dirt roads, slow down because stopping takes longer and skids are easier.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “On gravel or dirt roads, you need to slow down because it takes longer to stop and is easier to skid when turning.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Minnesota practice test

1. 1. Under Minnesota's basic speed law, how should a driver choose a speed during poor weather?

   1. Drive exactly at the posted limit whenever visibility is reduced
   2. Use a speed reasonable for the weather, traffic, and road conditions
   3. Use the posted limit plus 10 mph on any wet road
   4. Match the speed of the fastest vehicle nearby
   Show answer

   Use a speed reasonable for the weather, traffic, and road conditions. Minnesota's basic speed law connects a safe speed to current conditions, including weather, traffic, and the road itself. A posted number is the maximum allowed speed, not a promise that it is safe in every situation. The choice requiring the posted limit during reduced visibility ignores that obligation. The 10 mph allowance belongs only to lawful passing on a qualifying two lane highway, so it cannot justify faster travel in rain. A useful cue is to reassess the road before relying on the sign, then slow enough to keep control and time to react.

2. 2. How far above the posted speed limit must a Minnesota driver travel before additional fines apply?

   1. 5 mph or more
   2. 20 mph or more
   3. 15 mph or more
   4. 10 mph or more
   Show answer

   20 mph or more. Minnesota adds additional fines when a driver travels 20 mph or more above the posted speed limit. The lower thresholds in the other choices do not match the figure stated in the manual, although speeding below that point can still bring a regular fine. The rule concerns the amount over the posted limit, not a special permission to exceed it. Read the sign first, compare the vehicle's speed with that number, and treat a 20 mph gap as a serious penalty threshold.

3. 3. When may a driver exceed a 55 mph posted limit by up to 10 mph under Minnesota's speed rule?

   1. While lawfully passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway
   2. Whenever the road is empty
   3. When merging onto any freeway
   4. Whenever the driver is late
   Show answer

   While lawfully passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway. Minnesota permits the 10 mph increase only while lawfully passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway whose speed limit is 55 mph or higher. An empty road, a freeway merge, or a driver's schedule does not satisfy those conditions. The allowance is narrow and does not turn the posted limit into a general target above the sign. Confirm the highway has two lanes and that the pass itself is lawful before applying this exception.

Source: the Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 3: Traffic laws and vehicle operation. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.