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Difficulty: Very hardSpeed Limits and Speed Regulation

Under the Basic Speed Law, a driver operating a vehicle at the maximum posted speed limit of 65 mph on a freeway can be legally cited for speeding if weather, traffic, or road surface conditions make that speed unsafe, even when no temporary lower speed limit sign is displayed.

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Answer

True. The Basic Speed Law dictates that safe driving speed is determined by ambient conditions (weather, visibility, traffic density, road texture) rather than solely by the posted maximum speed limit.
The Basic Speed Law mandates that drivers must adjust their speed based on visibility, weather, traffic, and road conditions. Consequently, traveling at the posted limit under hazardous conditions is legally considered driving at an unreasonable and unlawful speed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the statutory relationship between posted speed limits and environmental conditions.
Posted speed limits represent the maximum allowable speed under ideal driving conditions, not a guaranteed safe speed under adverse conditions.
Traffic safety regulations distinguish between absolute statutory maximums and conditional safety rules.
2
Apply the legal standard of the Basic Speed Law.
Driving at 65 mph in heavy fog, ice, or dense traffic constitutes unsafe driving and violates the Basic Speed Law.
Law enforcement is authorized to issue citations for driving at an unsafe speed even if the vehicle's speed does not exceed the numerical limit posted on roadside signage.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law versus Posted Maximum Speed Limits
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Topics

Speed Limits and Speed Regulation

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