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Difficulty: MediumSpeed Limits and Speed Regulation

A driver is traveling along a rural highway with a posted regulatory speed limit of 55 mph55\text{ mph}. As the highway approaches a sharp curve, the driver observes a yellow diamond warning sign with an advisory speed plaque stating 35 mph35\text{ mph}. Which of the following best describes the legal speed requirement for the driver when negotiating this curve?

  1. The driver should reduce speed to 35 mph35\text{ mph} or slower as safe execution requires, because the Basic Speed Law mandates driving at a safe speed for existing hazards regardless of the 55 mph55\text{ mph} maximum regulatory limit.Answer
  2. B
    The driver may legally maintain 55 mph55\text{ mph} throughout the curve because yellow advisory speed signs carry no legal authority and drivers are only bound by white regulatory signs.
  3. C
    The driver is legally required to maintain a minimum speed of 35 mph35\text{ mph} while in the curve to prevent impeding the flow of traffic behind them.
  4. D
    The driver must accelerate back up to 55 mph55\text{ mph} immediately upon entering the curve because posted highway limits supersede localized advisory plaques.

Answer

The driver must reduce speed to a safe level, using 35 mph35\text{ mph} as a recommended guide, because the Basic Speed Law requires driving at a reasonable and prudent speed for all road hazards.
Yellow diamond signs with speed plaques provide recommended safe speeds for upcoming hazards such as sharp curves. Under the Basic Speed Law, drivers must adjust their speed to what is reasonable and prudent for existing road conditions, making it necessary and legally required to slow down below the 55 mph55\text{ mph} maximum regulatory limit when safety requires it.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Distinguish between regulatory signs and advisory warning signs.
White rectangular signs set maximum legal speed limits under ideal conditions, whereas yellow diamond signs with advisory speed plaques notify drivers of specific hazards requiring reduced speed.
Understanding sign function clarifies whether a speed represents an absolute cap or a safe recommendation for a hazard.
2
Apply the Basic Speed Law to the hazard scenario.
The Basic Speed Law dictates that no person shall drive at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under existing conditions (such as a sharp curve).
Regardless of a 55 mph55\text{ mph} posted maximum limit, driving faster than is safe for a sharp curve is illegal.

Key Concept

Advisory Speed Signs and the Basic Speed Law
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Topics

Speed Limits and Speed Regulation

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