Driving Rules: Speed Limits

Speed Limits

• Speed limits are reasonable speeds based on road design, traffic volume, and dry weather without fog or other visibility issues.
• In less-than-ideal conditions, a reasonable speed may be slower than the posted speed limit.
• A reasonable speed is necessary to maintain control of the vehicle and bring it to a stop within an assured clear distance ahead.

Speed Limit Examples

• Alleys within a municipal corporation: 15 mph
• School Zones during recess and while children are arriving or leaving school: 20 mph
• Streets within a municipal corporation: 35 mph
• State routes or through highways, except controlled-access highways within municipal corporations outside business districts: 55 mph
• State routes within municipal corporations outside urban districts: 55 mph
• Freeways with paved shoulders inside municipal corporations: 65 mph
• Rural freeways: 70 mph

Right-of-Way

• Right-of-way describes the priority of traffic flow, giving precedence to certain pedestrians or vehicles in a particular situation or place.
• Yield the right-of-way to:
  • The driver who is at or arrives before you at an intersection
  • Drivers in the opposing traffic lane when you are making a left turn
  • The driver on your right at a four-way intersection if both of you arrive at the intersection at the same time
  • Drivers on a public highway if you are entering the highway from a driveway or private road
  • Drivers already on a limited access or interstate highway if you are on the entrance or acceleration ramp
  • Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers who are still in the intersection
  • Public safety vehicles (emergency, police, fire)

Traffic Signals

• Traffic signals are lights that tell you when to stop and go.
• Traffic lights are usually at intersections and are red, yellow, and green from top to bottom.
• Red traffic light means stop before entering the intersection.
• Yellow traffic light indicates caution; prepare to stop.
• Green traffic light means you may travel with caution through the intersection.
• Flashing yellow traffic light means slow down and proceed with caution.
• Flashing red traffic light means stop behind a stop line, crosswalk, or intersection.

Traffic Signs

• Regulatory signs regulate the movement of traffic and give notice to travelers of traffic laws or regulations.
• Prohibitory signs instruct the viewer that an action is prohibited.
• Warning signs tell a driver of possible danger that might be ahead.
• Work Zone signs have a distinctive orange background and alert drivers to construction zones.
• Guide signs provide points of interest and services along the highway, information on intersecting roads, and help direct drivers to cities and towns.
• Route Number signs indicate the type of roadway (interstate, U.S., state, city, county, or local road).

Lane Pavement Markings

• Pavement markings divide lanes, tell you when you may pass other vehicles, and define pedestrian walkways.
• White lines separate traffic traveling in the same direction.
• Yellow solid line separates traffic traveling in opposite directions.
• Yellow solid double line means do not drive to the left of the center line, unless you must cross the lines to turn left or pass a slow-moving vehicle.
• Yellow solid line with a broken (dashed) line means passing other vehicles is allowed for motorists traveling in the lane with the broken line.
• Yellow broken (dashed) line means vehicles traveling in either direction may pass vehicles traveling in the same direction when safe to do so.

Two-Way Left Turn Only Lane

• A two-way left turn lane is marked with a broken yellow line and a solid yellow line on each side of the lane.
• It is also marked with white two-way left-turn lane arrows.
• Vehicles from either direction may use the center lane immediately prior to making a left turn.

Crosswalks

• Crosswalks define the area where pedestrians may cross the roadway.
• You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians entering or in a crosswalk.
• If there is a stop line before the crosswalk, the stop line must be obeyed.

This quiz covers the rules of the road regarding speed limits, reasonable speeds, and considerations for driving in less-than-ideal conditions. Learn about maintaining control of your vehicle and stopping safely.