Is there a difference between "Speed Limit" and "Maximum Speed"?
Asked by
AstroChuck (
37609
)
June 22nd, 2008
from iPhone
Some speed limit signs say one thing, some say the other. I was thinking someone explained it to me once but I don’t recall what the difference was.
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6 Answers
Well even though it wouldn’t help( I think), speed limit says you cannot for over the number posted, while maximum speed says this is the fastest speed you are allowed to achieve.
Ahhh, semantics.
Methinks the answer is yes and no at the same time.
“Speed Limit” implies a legal restriction, and “Max” implies safety considerations. Guess it depends on the color of the sign and state law.
“Tried to do the right thing, the right thing changes from state to state…” Soul Asylum
I was refering to California.
In California this is what my neighbor (Local Sheriff) just told me.
Speed Limit is the fastest speed allowable on the road regardless of road conditions and weather.
Maximum Speed- this is the maximum speed allowable given the road and weather conditions on the road. Example: heavy fog requires that you use caution and slow down. If you are driving 55 mph on a road that has a posted speed limit of 65 in heavy fog you can get a ticket for exceeding the maximum speed to safely navigate.
Maximum allowable speed never exceeds the posted speed limit for the road.
I always thought you could be ticketed on any road when driving at any speed that is considered unsafe due to conditions, regardless of the speed limit.
Sorry for the run-on sentence.
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