Regulatory, Lane & Parking Signs
A white rectangular sign reads SPEED LIMIT 35. What does the number 35 tell you?
- AThe lowest speed you may drive on this road
- BAn advised safe speed for a curve or hazard ahead
- CThe maximum lawful speed, in miles per hour
- DThe distance in miles to the next speed zone
Show the answer and the explanationHide the answer
Correct answer: C. The maximum lawful speed, in miles per hour
Why
This sign shows the speed limit: the maximum speed allowed by law on this road, here 35 mph. Do not drive faster than the posted limit, and slow down when traffic, weather or the road make that speed unsafe. Do not confuse it with a yellow advisory speed plaque under a warning sign, which gives a suggested speed for a curve or hazard, not the legal limit.
Why the other answers are not correct
- A. Wrong: the number is a maximum; a minimum speed is shown on a separate plaque added below a Speed Limit sign.
- B. Wrong: an advised speed for a curve or hazard goes on a yellow advisory speed plaque under a warning sign, not on a Speed Limit sign.
- D. Wrong: the number is a speed in miles per hour, not a distance.
Verified against Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 11th Edition with Revision 1 · Section 2B.21 Speed Limit Sign (R2-1) · p. 125, 126
Practice this sign with the other questions of your state permit test.
Choose your state practice test