Speed limit sign
The maximum legal speed in good conditions. You must still slow down for weather, traffic and hazards.
MUTCD designation R2-1. See the federal MUTCD, page 6.
How to read signs like this
Regulatory signs tell you what the law requires: stop, yield, speed limits, turns and lanes. Most are white rectangles with black or red. Red means stop, yield or a prohibition; a red circle with a slash means “no”.
Practice question
This white sign is posted along a road. What does it tell you?
- A A suggested safe speed for a curve just ahead
- B The highest legal speed allowed on this section of road
- C The slowest speed you are allowed to drive here
- D A speed that applies only while the yellow lights above it are flashing
Show answer
B. The highest legal speed allowed on this section of road
White is the color of regulatory signs, which state the law. This one shows the maximum speed set by law or by the road agency, always a multiple of 5 mph. You must still drive slower than the limit when weather, traffic or visibility make that speed unsafe.
Source: MUTCD 11th ed., page 125
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