The Pennsylvania Legislature is ultimately responsible for setting the speed limit on all highways within the Commonwealth. In June of 1995, the Legislature passed House Bill No. 213, raising the maximum speed on rural stretches of interstate highways and other four-lane, limited-access highways from 55 miles per hour to 65 miles per hour.

This law, which became effective on June 13, 1995, specifically sets the speed limit to 65 miles per hour on highways outside of urbanized areas with populations of 50,000 or more and 55 miles per hour in urbanized areas with populations of 50,000 or more. These limits are in effect on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a designated interstate highway. In addition, due to safety reasons, the 55 mile per hour speed limit is also in effect in the areas of the Turnpike tunnels, the mainline toll barriers, and certain sections of the original 160 mile long Turnpike (from Carlisle to Irwin) where total reconstruction projects are taking place.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is recognized as one of the safest highways in the country. The Turnpike Commission believes strict enforcement of speed limits is one of the major factors in keeping our highway safe.


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