What does the Basic Speed Law Mean?

The Meaning of the Basic Speed Law

The basic speed law means you must always drive at a reasonable and prudent speed. You must adjust your speed to both actual and potential hazards.

The basic speed law overrides a posted speed limit when conditions require a lower speed.

This means a police officer may stop and give you a ticket under certain circumstances – even if you were driving at the posted speed limit.

When an Officer may Decide You Were Speeding

Some of the situations when an officer may decide that your speed was unreasonable include:

• Using an unsafe speed around a tight curve.
• Traveling too fast when approaching the crest of a hill.
• Going too fast upon any narrow or winding roadway.
• Driving at the speed limit in fog or other low-visibility conditions.
• Going too fast during a heavy downpour or storm.
• Not adjusting your speed when road conditions are slick or unsafe.
• Traveling much faster than the traffic around you.
• Your speed created a potential hazard for pedestrians or children along the side of the road.

Going too fast through an intersection or railway crossing can also result in a ticket.

When you approach an intersection or railroad crossing, slow down enough to see clearly in all directions.

Attitudes about Speeding

Unfortunately, not all drivers use good judgment.

A survey by NHTSA showed that 16 percent of American drivers think that “Driving over the speed limit is not dangerous for skilled drivers.”

Seventeen percent agree with the statement, “If it is your time to die, you’ll die, so it doesn’t matter whether you speed.”

Source: National Survey of Speeding Attitudes and Behaviors

Crashes Related to Speeding

It is important to remember that speeding:

• Reduces your ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway.
• Extends your braking distance.
• Increases the distance your vehicle travels before you react to a dangerous situation
• Can interfere with the flow of traffic and endanger the life of others.

In 2007, speeding was a contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes. More than 13,000 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes.

Basic Speed Law on Your Driver’s Exam

Even if your driver’s manual doesn’t mention the basic speed law by name, there are many situations when you must adjust your speed and drive slower than the posted speed limit. Scan your manual and try to find them. DMV can base one or two exam questions on these chapters.

A posted speed limit of 55 mph doesn’t mean you can drive 55 mph in every situation.

Read more: What is a Safe Speed on Freeways?