If you notice that a road's posted speed limit is incorrect in OpenStreetMap (OSM), you can update it using the built-in iD Editor. This helps improve navigation, fleet management, and road safety applications that rely on OSM data.
Before you begin:
Have an OpenStreetMap account.
Verify the speed limit from official road signs or reliable local knowledge.
Sign in to your account.
Search for the road you want to edit.
Zoom in until the road is clearly visible.
Click Edit at the top of the page.
The iD Editor will load.
Screenshot: iD Editor displaying the selected area.
Click directly on the road segment.
The road will be highlighted.
The properties panel appears on the right.
In the right panel, scroll to Road Details.
Find the Speed Limit (Maximum Speed) field.
If no speed limit exists, you can add one.
Enter the posted speed limit.
Examples:
| Posted Sign | Enter |
|---|---|
| 50 km/h | 50 |
| 80 km/h | 80 |
| 100 km/h | 100 |
| 35 mph | 35 |
Note: Only include the unit for non-metric countries (e.g., mph). Metric countries generally use numeric values only.
If the speed limit changes partway along the road:
Select the road.
Right-click (or use the Scissors/Split tool).
Split the road where the speed limit changes.
Apply the correct speed limit to each section.
Example:
| Road Section | Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| Town Centre | 50 |
| Highway Section | 80 |
Click Save.
Enter a descriptive changeset comment.
Example:
Updated posted speed limit from 60 km/h to 80 km/h based on road signage.
Review the changes.
Click Upload.