I wasn’t surprised when I learned that Texas is home to the fastest speed limit in the U.S. Our state would be the one to do such a thing, wouldn’t it? Here’s everything you need to know.

You've probably heard the stereotypes about Texas drivers blatantly ignoring speed limit signs, but there's one particular stretch of road in the Lone Star State where going fast is totally legal.
Wikimedia Commons IIHS
Texas is home to the highest posted speed limit in the United States, and you can find it on the section of State Highway 130 between State Highway 45 in Austin and Interstate 10 in Seguin.
For about 40 miles, drivers can put the pedal to the metal and drive 85 miles per hour without having to worry about traffic tickets.
Wikimedia Maps
This portion of the highway runs through towns such as Lockhart and Mendoza.
The highway opened in 2012, and the speed limit has held steady at 85 miles per hour since then.
Wikimedia Commons formulanone - https://www.flickr.com/photos/formulanone/15145714939/
Officially, Texas law sets the maximum speed limit at 70 miles per hour - but it does allow for exceptions, and this is one of them.

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Only after a thorough inspection deems a highway safe and reasonable can the speed limit be raised, so you can rest assured the decision was a thoughtful one.
Wikimedia Commons Rolypolyman (talk) - Own work (Original text: self-made)
Either the Texas Transportation Commission or the city government (if the highway is located in a city) can raise the speed limit.
Most states hover around the 70 mile-per-hour mark for their maximum speed limit.
Wikimedia Commons David Falconer, Photographer (NARA record: 1427627) - U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
This might seem low compared to Texas, but it's still a big jump from what it used to be. In 1973, Congress enacted a national speed limit of just 55 miles per hour! Some states, such as Washington, set an even lower cap.
While 85 miles per hour is the highest speed limit in America, it isn't the highest on earth.
Flickr conticium
There is a portion of roadway in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates where the maximum speed limit is around 100 miles per hour. Then, of course, you have the famed Autobahn in Germany, roughly 70% of which has no speed limit whatsoever.
So next time you find yourself in the Texas Hill Country, consider taking a drive down this 40-mile segment of Texas State Highway 130.
Wikimedia Commons Mapsax
Even if you aren't a speed demon, it's worth saying you drove on the fastest road in the nation!

Did you know Texas is home to the fastest speed limit in the U.S.? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article below for more fun facts about Texas. If you’d like to show off your Texas pride, grab some gear from Wear Your Roots.

7 Unique Trivia Facts About Texas You Might Not Have Heard Before

 

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