Advisory Speed Signs and Speed Limit Signs
Understand the Meaning of These Two Speed Signs
For your driver’s license or permit exam, you must be able to tell the difference between these speed signs.
One is a regulatory speed limit sign. The other is an advisory (recommended) speed sign.
Remember the Basic Colors!
Black and white signs indicate a regulation, and yellow signs show warnings.
If necessary, learn more about the fundamental colors on U.S. road signs here: What are the Basic Colors
 Regulatory speed limit signs are rectangular and have black letters and numerals on a white background.
Speed limit signs tell you the legal allowable limits. You may drive at this speed when conditions allow, but in most states, you must not exceed the limit under any circumstances.
Montana is one state with an exception to this rule. In Montana, you may exceed the speed limit with ten mph when passing another vehicle on a two-way road.
With the word minimum, a regulatory speed limit sign tells you that you must NOT drive slower than the speed indicated unless conditions make it unsafe to go at this speed. You can go slower than the minimum speed limit in poor weather conditions and congested traffic.
You will typically see the minimum speed limit sign on interstates, expressways, and freeways.
 Advisory speed signs have black letters on a yellow background.
You will often see advisory speed signs under warning signs at sharp curves, exits, or exit ramps.
Some turn or curve signs can have the advisory speed written in black letters on the sign.
What You Should Know about the Advisory Speed Sign
Advisory speed signs tell you that conditions ahead may make driving unsafe at a faster speed. You should slow down to the recommended speed. In bad weather or heavy traffic, you should reduce speed even more.
In sharp curves on two-way roads with a limited view of the road ahead, be careful not to cross the center line.
So, what is the difference?
Well, the law does not enforce an advisory speed sign like a regulatory speed limit sign. Police will often ticket you for exceeding the speed limit (the white sign). You are less likely to get a ticket if you drive faster than an advisory speed (the yellow sign).
You should, however, be aware that if you exceed the recommended speed and have an accident, the court can argue that you violated the fundamental speed law and were driving too fast for conditions, meaning you can face penalties and be at fault for the accident.
The key is never to go faster than reasonable and prudent.
The Reduced Speed Ahead Sign
You should also know this sign:
Remember, yellow means warning. You must be aware of the changing conditions ahead.
The sign warns you that the speed limit changes ahead. Usually, the speed limit ahead is at least ten mph lower.
It is a good idea to start slowing down when you drive past the sign. When you reach the black-and-white regulatory sign later on, you should have adjusted to the new speed.
From then on, you must not drive faster than the new speed limit.
Quick Summary
Check if you can answer these questions correctly:
Results
Well done!
Prepare for your DMV test by studying all road signs in your state’s driver’s manual and learn what they mean.
#1. This sign indicates:
Black and white signs show regulations you must obey. You must not drive faster than 50 mph.
#2. This sign shows:
The yellow advisory speed sign tells you the recommended safe speed for this exit.
#3. When you drive past this sign:
#4. What should you do when you see this sign?
| Alabama |
| Alaska |
| Arizona |
| Arkansas |
| California |
| Colorado |
| Connecticut |
| Delaware |
| District of Columbia |
| Florida |
| Georgia |
| Hawaii |
| Idaho |
| Illinois |
| Indiana |
| Iowa |
| Kansas |
