Support us

MotorwayUnited States

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United States. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United States

2. Motorway

A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.

Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Freeway entrance sign for eastbound Interstate 210. (California, United States)
Wikimedia.org • formulanone • CC BY-SA
How do people refer to a motorway in the United States?

Official driver information commonly uses freeway for this type of road. Highway is a broader term. Check the road’s actual access arrangements and signs; an Interstate or highway name is not itself a nationwide set of driving rules.

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition, Revision1 — freeway/expressway definitions and Part2E guidance

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV — freeway merging and exits; state example

What speed limit applies to cars on a freeway in the United States?

There is no nationwide freeway speed limit. Follow the posted limit and the state rules for your vehicle. Conditions can require a slower speed even when the sign permits more.

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition, Revision1 — freeway/expressway definitions and Part2E guidance

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV — freeway merging and exits; state example

How should I enter a freeway in the United States?

The California driver handbook advises entering at or near the speed of traffic, without exceeding the limit, indicating and merging into a safe gap. Give way to traffic already on the freeway. Check the rules of the state where you are driving.

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition, Revision1 — freeway/expressway definitions and Part2E guidance

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV — freeway merging and exits; state example

How should I leave a freeway in the United States?

The California driver handbook advises planning your exit, moving into the correct lane safely, indicating and checking your blind spots. Follow the exit ramp’s signs and slow down as needed. Check the rules of the state where you are driving.

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition, Revision1 — freeway/expressway definitions and Part2E guidance

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV — freeway merging and exits; state example

1 United States 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Speed limit 5 Minimum speed 6 Advisory speed 7 Bike path 8 Pedestrian warning 9 Tunnel 10 Bridge 11 Speed bump 12 Toll road 13 One-way traffic 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Road narrowing 22 Pedestrian crossing 23 Railway crossing 24 Mandatory direction 25 Turn prohibition 26 School area 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Aircraft 31 Curve 32 Chevron 33 Wrong-way driving 34 Roadworks 35 Height limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Pedestrian lights 42 Road markings 43 Bike box 44 Speed feedback 45 Driving licence 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Parallel parking 53 Park and ride 54 Kiss and ride 55 Disabled parking 56 Traffic management 57 Reversing 58 U-turn 59 Carpool 60 Detour 61 Uncontrolled crossroad 62 Ramp 63 Exit 64 Horse riding 65 Emergency exit 66 Runaway truck ramp 67 Oversize load 68 City limit 69 Tourist attraction 70 Horn 71 Axle weight limit 72 Licence plate 73 Charging station 74 Flooding 75 Dip 76 Horse 77 Local traffic 78 Pedestrian 79 Cyclist 80 Motorcycle 81 Truck 82 Bus 83 Police 84 Ambulance 85 Police signals 86 Gravel road 87 Pothole 88 Median strip 89 Public property 90 Path 91 Particulates 92 Air pollution 93 Interchange 94 Rush hour 95 Filling station 96 Road code 97 Two-way traffic 98 Passing lane 99 Street gutter 100 Road debris ...