A semi-truck can go as fast as most passenger cars, but truckers are required to abide by lower speed limits in certain locations. Trucks soon will be equipped with mandatory speed limiter devices that control top speeds.
What Are Semi-Truck Speed Limits?
In Indiana, most speed limits for commercial trucks match highway speed limits for other vehicles:
- 55 mph on urban interstates
- 65 mph on other limited-access highways
- 55 mph on other roads.
On rural interstates, which constitute the majority of the interstate highway system in Indiana, the speed limit for trucks is 65 mph, while passenger cars may go up to 70 mph legally.
What Is The Top Speed Of A Semi Truck?
Most large trucks can achieve speeds of 70 mph to 80 mph or higher. The problem with a truck moving at high speed is that if you have to stop an 80,000-pound big rig in a hurry, that is not going to happen.
Under ideal weather and roadway conditions,afully-loaded commercial truck running at 65 miles per hour requires a stopping distance of about525 feet – almost the length of two football fields. That compares to about 316 feet for a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle traveling 65 mph.
Because of the physics of weight, velocity, and braking, the distance required at 80 mph increases exponentially to more than 50% more than what is required at 60 mph.
The stopping distance of a semi-truck increases more if it is traveling in adverse road conditions such as snow, ice, or wet pavement.
FMCSA Plans Speed Limiters on Some Semi-Trucks
In June 2023, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is expected to unveil a proposal requiring most commercial motor vehicles to use speed limiters. The proposal would apply to commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more – semis and other large trucks – and that are equipped with electronic engine control units (ECUs) capable of governing the vehicle’s maximum speed. They would be required to limit the truck to a speed to be determined by the FMCSA and to maintain that ECU setting for the service life of the vehicle.
While the top speeds allowable for trucks equipped with speed limiters have not been announced, proposals of 60, 65 or 68 miles per hour have been quoted in a leading trucking industry publication.
The FMCSA says it is moving forward with the speed-limiters mandate because of the number of crashes and fatalities among commercial trucks and buses traveling at high speeds. In 2019, there were 860 fatal crashes in areas with posted speed limits of 70 to 75 miles per hour, and 24 fatal crashes in areas with posted speed limits between 80 to 85 miles per hour. Approximately 20 percent of fatal crashes among commercial trucks and buses occur in areas with posted speed limits in these ranges, the FMCSA says. The agency says the rule will help reduce crashes and save lives.
Trucking industry leaders oppose the restrictions. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association Foundation (OOIDA) says the frequency of interactions between trucks and other vehiclesincreases 227% when trucks travel 10 mph belowthe speed of other traffic. The OOIDA also says forcing truckers to lose time by limiting their speed in high-speed zones can encourage them to drive faster than they should through slower zones so that they can make their delivery deadlines.
Involved in a Truck Accident? We Can Help You
Speed is a contributing factor in many semi-truck accidents in Indiana. If you have been injured in a truck accident in Indiana, contact a truck accident lawyer at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC in Indianapolis for a free, no-obligation discussion of your legal options. You may be entitled to demand compensation for your medical costs and losses if you were injured by a driver who was speeding. Our dedicated team of lawyers, investigators, and forensic specialists are ready to protect your rights and pursue full compensation for you.
Phone (800) 746-0226 or reach out online.
FAQs
55 mph on urban interstates. 65 mph on other limited-access highways. 55 mph on other roads.
What is the speed limit for semi-trucks in the US? ›
The speed limit in most states can range from 55 miles per hour (mph) to 80 mph. However, many trucking companies do not allow their truck drivers to exceed 65 mph.
What is a semi truck's max speed? ›
While the general speed limit for passenger vehicles on California highways is 65 to 70 mph, semi-trucks are restricted to 55 mph. This difference is due to the increased stopping distances, larger blind spots, and overall maneuverability challenges associated with semi-trucks.
What is the speed limit for trucks on Fmcsa? ›
“Our current policy is 70 mph with the use of automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. From what our fleets have told us, they've seen a better safety benefit when you're coupling speed limiters and automatic emergency braking, and generally safety technologies.”
How fast can a fully loaded semi truck go? ›
On average, most semi-trucks have a governed or limited top speed of around 65 to 75 miles per hour (mph). This means that, under normal conditions, these vehicles are not designed to go significantly faster than this range.
What is the general speed limit in USA? ›
What is the speed limit in the USA? The maximum speed limit on rural interstate highways is 70mph, with a 45mph minimum. On four-lane divided highways, the limit is 65mph, and on all other highways it's 55mph. If you are driving through a designated school zone, you must drop to 15mph.
Why are trucks speed limited? ›
Beyond simply dictating pace, speed limiters offer a multitude of benefits: Enhanced Safety: By curbing excessive speeds, they reduce the risk of devastating truck wrecks. Remember, physics is unforgiving – the force of a collision increases exponentially with speed.
Can a semi-truck go 120 mph? ›
What Is The Top Speed Of A Semi Truck? Most large trucks can achieve speeds of 70 mph to 80 mph or higher.
How many speeds is an 18 wheeler? ›
Most semi-trucks have 10 gears; two reverse, and ten forward. On a semi-truck, however, there are anywhere from 9 to 18 gears. The gears on a semi-truck are what make the engine powerful enough to move heavy loads across different terrains and inclines.
How many speeds does a 18 wheeler have? ›
Most of today's 18 wheelers have ten forward and two reverse drive gears, but this will vary widely depending on the manufacturer of the truck. Semi tractors will range from as low as nine gears and as high as eighteen gears.
Beginning November 18, 2024, as part of new Federal regulations, drivers with a “prohibited” status in FMCSA's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse will lose or be denied their State-issued commercial driving privileges.
What is safe speed in trucking? ›
For semi-truck drivers, understanding the state's speed limit laws is more than just about compliance; it's about ensuring safety for all road users. California enforces a stricter 55-mph limit for commercial trucks on most highways compared to its neighboring states.
What is the 5 mph rule Fmcsa? ›
As a result, the in-motion state must not be configured greater than 5 miles per hour. The vehicle will be considered stopped once its speed falls to zero (0) miles per hour and stays at zero (0) miles per hour for 3 consecutive seconds.
How fast can a semi go 0-60? ›
Semi is the future of electric trucking. Three independent motors provide instant torque and unmatched power at any speed so drivers can merge safely and keep pace with traffic. Accelerate from 0-60 mph in 20 seconds, fully loaded, and maintain highway-level speeds even up steep grades.
Can semi-trucks go faster than 65? ›
According to the California Vehicle Code, a truck with three or more axles may not drive more than 55 mph on a California highway. This law applies to all California highways, even if a separate truck speed limit is posted on the highway.
Which states have truck speed limits? ›
Truck Driver Speed Limits by State
| State | Speed limits: AUTOS | Speed limits: TRUCKS |
|---|
| California | 70 mph | 55 mph |
| Colorado | 75 mph | 75 mph |
| Connecticut | 65 mph | 65 mph |
| Delaware | 65 mph | 65 mph |
47 more rowsAug 31, 2022
Most semi-trucks have 10 gears; two reverse, and ten forward. On a semi-truck, however, there are anywhere from 9 to 18 gears. The gears on a semi-truck are what make the engine powerful enough to move heavy loads across different terrains and inclines.
Why do semi-trucks have a lower speed limit? ›
It's likely speed limiters will help reduce truck accidents, which is why the FMSCA is recommending them. Speed limiters can reduce the risk of speed-related accidents, as well as the severity of those accidents that do happen. This can help reduce catastrophic injuries in the event of a serious truck accident.
