How are speed limits determined (or changed)?
Residential speed limits are set at 30 miles per hour by State Law (Texas Traffic Laws Section 545.352b(1)). Speed limits for other streets (collectors, arterials and freeways) are often set higher after a formal engineering evaluation. The roadway should not have a posted speed limit that is too fast for its geometric design, or its adjacent land uses. For example, a major arterial will have a lower speed limit through an urbanized area than in rural locations. Similarly, a roadway with several sharp curves will not allow for higher speeds of travel, regardless of adjacent land uses.
