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Difficulty: HardRegulatory Signs

A driver is traveling on a rural highway posted with a rectangular regulatory sign displaying 'MAXIMUM SPEED 65 / MINIMUM SPEED 40'. Thick freezing fog suddenly reduces visibility to under 50 feet and creates icy road conditions, causing surrounding traffic to slow to 25 mph. What action is legally required of the driver in this situation?

  1. Reduce speed below 40 mph to match what is safe for current visibility and road traction.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain a speed of at least 40 mph to strictly comply with the posted regulatory minimum speed sign.
  3. C
    Maintain 65 mph while activating hazard lights to alert slower vehicles of the posted maximum limit.
  4. D
    Pass slower vehicles by traveling on the paved shoulder to avoid dropping below the posted minimum speed.

Answer

The driver must slow down below the posted 40 mph minimum limit to drive at a safe speed appropriate for the hazardous weather and road conditions.
The basic speed law requires drivers to adjust their speed downward during hazardous conditions such as heavy fog, ice, or severe storms. Even when a rectangular regulatory sign displays a minimum speed limit, driving at or above that minimum speed when visibility and traction are severely compromised is unlawful and unsafe.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the posted regulatory sign limits versus the environmental conditions.
The regulatory sign indicates a 65 mph maximum limit and a 40 mph minimum limit under standard operating conditions, but current conditions feature dense freezing fog and icy pavement.
Regulatory speed signs specify speed limits intended for clear, normal driving conditions.
2
Apply the Basic Speed Law governing traffic safety.
The Basic Speed Law dictates that no person shall drive at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, traffic, and road conditions.
Maintaining 40 mph or faster in zero-visibility icy conditions creates an immediate collision hazard.
3
Determine the mandatory compliance action.
The driver is required to reduce speed to 25 mph or lower as necessary to maintain safe control of the vehicle, superseding the posted minimum limit.
Safety laws grant authority to drive below minimum speed regulations when hazards prevent safe travel at those speeds.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law Interaction with Regulatory Speed Signs
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Regulatory Signs

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