Oregon Speed Limits

Key points

1. These statutory limits apply whether posted or not, unless a different speed is posted.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “The following speed limits are set in law for the specified areas, whether posted or not. They apply unless a different speed is posted.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 19

2. 15 mph applies in alleys and narrow residential areas.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “15 Miles Per Hour • When driving in alleys. • Narrow residential areas.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 19

3. 20 mph applies in any business district and within a school speed zone.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “20 Miles Per Hour • In any business district. • Within a school speed zone.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 19

4. 25 mph applies in residential districts, public parks and on ocean shores where vehicles are allowed.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “25 Miles Per Hour • In residential districts. • In public parks. • On ocean shores, if vehicles are permitted.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 19

5. 55 mph applies on all other roads and highways unless otherwise posted.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “55 Miles Per Hour • On all roads and highways not meeting any other definition unless otherwise posted.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 19

6. Interstate speed limits vary.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “Interstate Speed Limits • Speed limits will vary on interstate highways.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 19

7. A school speed zone limit of 20 mph starts at the SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT 20 sign and ends at END SCHOOL ZONE or another speed sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 49

   “The school speed zone begins at the SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT 20 sign and ends at the END SCHOOL ZONE sign or at another posted speed sign.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 49

8. A school hours sign applies from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days; if unsure, slow to 20 mph.

   Source: Handbook p. 49

   “Between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a day school is in session. If you are unsure whether or not it is a school day, slow down to 20 mph.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 49

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Oregon practice test

1. 1. What is Oregon's statutory maximum speed in an alley, unless a different limit is posted?

   1. 25 mph
   2. 20 mph
   3. 15 mph
   4. 35 mph
   Show answer

   15 mph. Oregon sets a 15 mph maximum for driving in alleys. That rule applies even when no speed sign appears, although a posted limit can establish a different maximum. The 20 mph choice belongs to business districts and school speed zones, while 25 mph applies in residential districts and public parks. The 35 mph option is not the alley limit described here. When an alley is narrow, crowded, or hard to see through, the basic rule still calls for a speed that is reasonable and cautious for the conditions. Look for the location first, then compare it with the statutory category.

2. 2. What is the statutory maximum speed in an Oregon business district when no different limit is posted?

   1. 15 mph
   2. 20 mph
   3. 25 mph
   4. 30 mph
   Show answer

   20 mph. The manual assigns business districts a 20 mph maximum unless a different limit is posted. Twenty five miles per hour belongs to residential districts, public parks, and permitted vehicle travel on ocean shores. Fifteen mph applies in alleys and narrow residential areas, not a general business district. Thirty mph is not the statutory business figure identified in this section. The basic rule remains active at every speed, so heavy foot traffic, deliveries, limited sight distance, or a slippery surface can require driving below the posted or statutory maximum.

3. 3. What maximum speed does Oregon set for roads and highways that do not meet another statutory speed definition?

   1. 45 mph
   2. 50 mph
   3. 55 mph
   4. 65 mph
   Show answer

   55 mph. Oregon sets 55 mph for roads and highways that do not fit another statutory speed definition, unless a different limit is posted. The 45 and 50 mph options are not the general figure in this passage. Sixty five mph is not the fallback maximum stated for this category. This is a maximum under ideal conditions, not a target that must be reached. The basic rule requires a reasonable and cautious speed in relation to traffic, pedestrians, road surface, visibility, weather, and hazards, so those conditions can require less than 55 mph.

Source: the Oregon Driver Manual, Lane Travel: Speed Regulations. 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.