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Difficulty: MediumRegulatory Signs

While driving on a rural highway posted with a regulatory minimum speed limit sign of 40 mph40\text{ mph}, a motorist encounters sudden, severe dense fog that reduces visibility to less than 50 feet50\text{ feet}. Which statement correctly describes the driver's legal responsibility regarding vehicle speed in this situation?

  1. Drive at a reduced speed below 40 mph40\text{ mph} if necessary to maintain safety under the hazardous weather conditions.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain a speed of at least 40 mph40\text{ mph} at all times to strictly comply with the posted minimum regulatory sign regardless of visibility.
  3. C
    Come to an immediate complete stop within the active travel lane until the fog clears.
  4. D
    Accelerate to the maximum posted speed limit to pass slower traffic and clear the fog zone as quickly as possible.

Answer

The driver must reduce speed below the posted minimum limit if necessary to drive safely for the hazardous weather conditions.
Under the Basic Speed Law, drivers are legally required to reduce their speed to whatever rate is safe and prudent for existing road and weather conditions. When severe fog drastically reduces visibility, driving below a posted regulatory minimum speed limit is legally required to maintain safe vehicle operation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the regulatory sign and weather condition
The road has a regulatory minimum speed sign of 40 mph, but severe dense fog presents an active road hazard.
Regulatory signs establish standard driving rules under normal conditions.
2
Apply the Basic Speed Law hierarchy
The Basic Speed Law dictates that no person shall drive at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under existing weather and visibility conditions.
Safety and the Basic Speed Law override numerical posted minimum speed limits when hazardous conditions endanger life or property.

Key Concept

Basic Speed Law Override of Regulatory Minimum Speed Limits
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Regulatory Signs

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