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Difficulty: MediumSpeed Limits and Speed Regulation

A driver is traveling along a rural two-lane highway with a posted regulatory speed limit of 55 mph. As the highway approaches a sharp curve, the driver passes a yellow diamond warning sign accompanied by a yellow plaque reading '35 MPH'. The weather is clear and the road surface is dry. Which of the following best describes the legal significance of the 35 mph advisory plaque?

  1. It indicates a recommended safe maximum speed for the curve under ideal conditions, while the Basic Speed Law requires driving even slower if conditions deteriorate.Answer
  2. B
    It represents an enforceable statutory speed limit that legally replaces the 55 mph posted limit until the curve ends.
  3. C
    It requires the driver to reduce speed to exactly 35 mph only if emergency vehicles or heavy commercial traffic are present.
  4. D
    It is entirely optional, allowing drivers to legally maintain 55 mph through the curve as long as their vehicle remains within the lane boundaries.

Answer

The yellow 35 mph plaque indicates a recommended safe speed for negotiating the curve under ideal conditions, and drivers must slow down further if road or weather conditions warrant it under the Basic Speed Law.
Yellow warning signs with advisory speed plaques advise drivers of the maximum recommended speed to safely negotiate a specific roadway hazard (such as a curve) under good conditions. In addition, the Basic Speed Law always requires drivers to reduce speed below posted maximums whenever roadway conditions or physical hazards make higher speeds unsafe.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the type of sign and plaque presented in the scenario.
The yellow color and diamond shape indicate a warning/advisory sign rather than a regulatory maximum speed limit sign (which is rectangular and black-and-white).
Traffic sign shapes and colors dictate whether a speed value is regulatory or advisory.
2
Apply the legal distinction between advisory speed plaques and posted maximum speed limits.
Advisory plaques highlight safe recommended speeds for specific physical hazards like curves, on-ramps, or dips.
Understanding sign classification clarifies how speed rules apply to safe vehicle operation.
3
Evaluate the interaction between advisory speeds and the Basic Speed Law.
Even when a higher regulatory limit exists (55 mph), driving at a speed that causes loss of control or creates a hazard violates the Basic Speed Law.
The Basic Speed Law mandates driving at a safe speed for existing conditions, regardless of posted maximums.

Key Concept

Distinguishing regulatory speed limits from advisory speed plaques and applying the Basic Speed Law.
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Topics

Speed Limits and Speed Regulation

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