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Speed limits in the United States

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by FunEditor (talk | contribs) at 03:54, 4 July 2017 (→Overview: Since the Ohio Turnpike has a 70 mph speed limit on all 241 miles of its length, it is 70 mph even through the outer portions of Toledo, Akron and Cleveland). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
See also: Speed limits in the United States (rail), Speed limits in the United States by jurisdiction, and Road signs in the United States
Main articles: Speed limit and Speed limits by country

Speed limits in the United States are set by each state or territory. Highway speed limits can range from an urban low of 35 mph (56 km/h) to a rural high of 85 mph (137 km/h). Speed limits are typically posted in increments of five miles per hour (8 km/h). Some states have lower limits for trucks and at night, and occasionally there are minimum speed limits. Most speed limits are set by state or local statute, although each state allows various subdivisions (counties and municipalities) to set a different, generally lower, limit.

The highest speed limits are generally 70 mph (113 km/h) on the West Coast and the inland eastern states, 75–80 mph (121–129 km/h) in inland western states, along with Arkansas and Louisiana, and 65–75 mph (105–121 km/h) on the Eastern Seaboard. Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and Vermont have a maximum limit of 65 mph (105 km/h), and Hawaii has a maximum limit of 60 mph (97 km/h). Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands have a maximum speed limit of 55 mph (89 km/h), and Guam and the Samoa have speed limits of 45 mph (72 km/h). Unusual for any state east of the Mississippi River, much of I-95 in Maine north of Bangor allows up to 75 mph (121 km/h), as well as much of I-75 and US 131 in Michigan north of Bay City and Grand Rapids. Portions of the Idaho, Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming road networks have 80 mph (129 km/h) posted limits. The highest posted speed limit in the entire country can be found on the Texas State Highway 130, and it is 85 mph (137 km/h).

For 13 years (January 1974[1]–April 1987[2][3]), federal law withheld Federal highway trust funds to states that had speed limits above 55 mph (89 km/h).[2] From April 1987 through December 8, 1995, an amended federal law disincentivized speed limits above 65 mph (105 km/h).

A standard sign indicating a speed limit of 80 miles per hour (mph), a night-time speed limit of 65 mph, and a truck speed limit of 55 mph
A speed limit sign entering a school zone, along with a warning light above
Variety used in Oregon, omitting the word LIMIT. The typeface of the numerals varies significantly due to its non-standard design. See Oregon speed limits.

Overview

Speed limits

This table contains the most usual posted daytime speed limits, in miles per hour, on typical roads in each category. The values shown are not necessarily the fastest or slowest. They usually indicate, but not always, statutory speed limits. Some states and territories have lower truck speed limits applicable to heavy trucks. If present, they are usually only on freeways or other high-speed roadways. Washington allows for speeds up to 75 miles per hour (121 km/h), but the highest posted signs are 70 miles per hour (110 km/h). Mississippi allows speeds up to 80 mph (130 km/h) on toll roads, but no such roads exist. Oklahoma removed the maximum speed of 75 from its laws, though no road been posted higher than 75.

Further information: Speed limits in the United States by jurisdiction
State or territory Freeway (rural) Freeway (trucks) Freeway (urban) Divided (rural) Undivided (rural) Residential
Alabama Alabama[4] 70 mph (113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 15–25 mph (24–40 km/h)
Alaska Alaska 65 mph (105 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 45–65 mph (72–105 km/h) 20–25 mph (32–40 km/h)
American Samoa American Samoa[5] – – 45 mph (72 km/h) 25–45 mph (40–72 km/h) 15–20 mph (24–32 km/h)
Arizona Arizona[6] 65–75 mph (105–121 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 45–65 mph (72–105 km/h) 15–25 mph (24–40 km/h)
Arkansas Arkansas 70–75 mph (113–121 km/h) 70 mph (110 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 30 mph (48 km/h)
California California 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 50–65 mph (80–105 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h)[7] 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 25–30 mph (40–48 km/h)
Colorado Colorado 65–75 mph (105–121 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 20–35 mph (32–56 km/h)
Connecticut Connecticut 65 mph (105 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 20–40 mph (32–64 km/h)
Delaware Delaware[8] 65 mph (105 km/h) 50–65 mph (80–105 km/h) 45–60[9] mph (72–97 km/h) 35–50 mph (56–80 km/h) 20–35 mph (32–56 km/h)
Washington, D.C. District of Columbia[10] – 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) – – 15–25 mph (24–40 km/h)
Florida Florida[11] 70 mph (113 km/h) 50–70 mph (80–113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 55–60 mph (89–97 km/h) 15–50 mph (24–80 km/h)
Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia[12] 70 mph (113 km/h) 55–70 mph (89–113 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 25–45 mph (40–72 km/h)
Guam Guam[13] – – 45 mph (72 km/h) 35–45 mph (56–72 km/h)
Hawaii Hawaii 55–60 mph (89–97 km/h) 35–55 mph (56–89 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 45–60 mph (72–97 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
Idaho Idaho 70–80 mph (110–130 km/h) 70 mph (113 km/h) 60–65 mph (97–105 km/h) 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 55–70 mph (89–113 km/h) 25–30 mph (40–48 km/h)
Illinois Illinois 70 mph (113 km/h) 45–70 mph (72–113 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 20–30 mph (32–48 km/h)
Indiana Indiana 70 mph (113 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 50–70 mph (80–113 km/h) 55–60 mph (89–97 km/h) 50–55 mph (80–89 km/h) 20–30 mph (32–48 km/h)
Iowa Iowa 70 mph (113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
Kansas Kansas 75 mph (121 km/h) 60–75 mph (97–121 km/h) 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 20–30 mph (32–48 km/h)
Kentucky Kentucky[14] 70 mph (113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 25–45 mph (40–72 km/h)
Louisiana Louisiana[15] 70–75 mph (113–121 km/h) 50–70 mph (80–113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 15–45 mph (24–72 km/h)
Maine Maine 70–75 mph (113–121 km/h) 50–65 mph (80–105 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
Maryland Maryland 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 40–65 mph (64–105 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 50–55 mph (80–89 km/h) 15–25 mph (24–40 km/h)
Massachusetts Massachusetts 65 mph (105 km/h) 45–65 mph (72–105 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 20–30 mph (32–48 km/h)
Michigan Michigan[16] 70–75 mph (113–121 km/h)[17] 65 mph (105 km/h) 55–70 mph (89–113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h)[17] 25 mph (40 km/h)
Minnesota Minnesota[18][19] 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 45–65 mph (72–105 km/h) 60–65 mph (97–105 km/h) 55–60 mph (89–97 km/h) 30 mph (48 km/h)
Mississippi Mississippi 70 mph (113 km/h) 60 mph (97 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
Missouri Missouri 70 mph (113 km/h) 45–70 mph (72–113 km/h) 60–70 mph (97–113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 25–40 mph (40–64 km/h)
Montana Montana 75–80 mph (121–129 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 55–70 mph (89–113 km/h) 15–25 mph (24–40 km/h)
Nebraska Nebraska[20] 75 mph (121 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
Nevada Nevada 70–80 mph (113–129 km/h)[21][22][23] 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 65–75 mph (105–121 km/h) 55–70 mph (89–113 km/h) 15–30 mph (24–48 km/h)
New Hampshire New Hampshire 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 50–65 mph (80–105 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 35–55 mph (56–89 km/h) 20–30 mph (32–48 km/h)
New Jersey New Jersey[24][25] 65 mph (105 km/h) 50–65 mph (80–105 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 30–55 mph (48–89 km/h) 15–35 mph (24–56 km/h)
New Mexico New Mexico[26] 75 mph (121 km/h) 55–75 mph (89–121 km/h) 55–75 mph (89–121 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 15–55 mph (24–89 km/h)
New York (state) New York[27] 65 mph (105 km/h) 35–55 mph (56–89 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 35–55 mph (56–89 km/h) 15–45 mph (24–72 km/h)
North Carolina North Carolina[28][29] 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 50–60 mph (80–97 km/h) 55–60 mph (89–97 km/h)[30] 55 mph (89 km/h) 20–35 mph (32–56 km/h)
North Dakota North Dakota[31][32] 75 mph (121 km/h) 55–75 mph (89–121 km/h) 70 mph (113 km/h) 55–70 mph (89–113 km/h) 15–25 mph (24–40 km/h)
Northern Mariana Islands Northern Mariana Islands[33] – 45 mph (72 km/h)
Ohio Ohio[34][35] 70 mph (113 km/h) 50–70 mph (80–113 km/h) 55–70 mph (89–113 km/h)[36][37] 45–70 mph (72–113 km/h) 20–35 mph (32–56 km/h)
Oklahoma Oklahoma 70 mph (113 km/h) (75 mph (121 km/h) turnpikes) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
Oregon Oregon 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 50–60 mph (80–97 km/h) 55–70 mph (89–113 km/h) 55–70 mph (89–113 km/h) 20–25 mph (32–40 km/h)
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 50–65 mph (80–105 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 40–55 mph (64–89 km/h) 15–35 mph (24–56 km/h)
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico[38] 60–65 mph (97–105 km/h) 50–55 mph (80–89 km/h) 50–55 mph (80–89 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 15–35 mph (24–56 km/h)
Rhode Island Rhode Island[39] 65 mph (105 km/h) 50–55 mph (80–89 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 50 mph (80 km/h) 20–25 mph (32–40 km/h)
South Carolina South Carolina[40] 70 mph (113 km/h) 60–70 mph (97–113 km/h) 55–60 mph (89–97 km/h) 45–55 mph (72–89 km/h) 15–30 mph (24–48 km/h)
South Dakota South Dakota[41][42] 75–80 mph (121–129 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 15–45 mph (24–72 km/h)
Tennessee Tennessee 70 mph (113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 35–55 mph (56–89 km/h) 30 mph (48 km/h)
Texas Texas 75–85 mph (121–137 km/h) 55–75 mph (89–121 km/h) 75 mph (121 km/h) 55–75 mph (89–121 km/h) 25–30 mph (40–48 km/h)
United States Virgin Islands U.S. Virgin Islands[43] – – 55 mph (89 km/h) 25–45 mph (40–72 km/h) 20–25 mph (32–40 km/h)
Utah Utah[44][45] 75–80 mph (121–129 km/h) 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h)[46] 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h)[47] 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 20–35 mph (32–56 km/h)
Vermont Vermont 65 mph (105 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 50–55 mph (80–89 km/h)
Virginia Virginia[48] 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 55–60 mph (89–97 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 15–35 mph (24–56 km/h)
Washington (state) Washington 70–75 mph (113–121 km/h)[49] 60 mph (97 km/h) 55–70 mph (89–113 km/h) 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 20–50 mph (32–80 km/h)
West Virginia West Virginia 70 mph (113 km/h) 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 15–55 mph (24–89 km/h)
Wisconsin Wisconsin[50] 70 mph (113 km/h) 50–65 mph (80–105 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 55 mph (89 km/h) 15–35 mph (24–56 km/h)
Wyoming Wyoming[51] 75–80 mph (121–129 km/h) 65 mph (105 km/h) 70 mph (113 km/h) 55–70 mph (89–113 km/h) 30 mph (48 km/h)
State Typical fine Recklessness threshold or enhanced penalty Absolute/prima facie Ticket dismissal options Point system
Arizona Over 35 mph (56 km/h) in a school zone, over 20 mph (32 km/h) above the posted speed limit, or over 85 mph (137 km/h) regardless of the posted speed limit.[52] Prima facie (Absolute above 85 mph (137 km/h)) Defensive driving school (requires court approval for criminal speeding tickets). Point system leading to fines, potential license suspension, increased insurance rates, and potential jail time (if criminal).
North Carolina $10–$50 plus court costs.[53] Speeding fines in work zones and school zones are $250 plus court costs. Over 15 mph (24 km/h) over limit at a travelled speed of greater than 55 mph (89 km/h) or over 80 mph (130 km/h) Absolute Prayer for judgment continued (PJC) available depending on the court and subject to their discretion, but not available for charges of exceeding a speed limit by more than 25 mph (40 km/h). Point system may lead to license suspension. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 mph (24 km/h) with a speed of greater than 55 mph (89 km/h) or travelling faster than 80 mph (130 km/h) results in a minimum 30-day license suspension.[54]
Pennsylvania $35[55] plus court and other costs. All fines doubled in active work zones. Over 30 mph (48 km/h) over limit Absolute None Point system leads to mandatory driver education and possible license suspension.
Texas $1–$20[56] plus court fees. Doubled in active school zones when children are present or construction zones when workers are present.[57] Various additional "fees" assessed by the state essentially increase the fine by around $100 on all tickets. None[58] Prima facie[59] Defensive driving[60] (once per year) or deferred disposition[61] (restrictions vary, but generally at least 4 per year), but only valid if:
  • Texas resident,
  • Speed under 25 mph (40 km/h) above limit and under 95 mph (153 km/h), and
  • Not in construction zone where workers are present or active school zone.
  • Not a Commercial Driver License (CDL) holder.
 Point system is annual surcharge only. No provision for license suspension if surcharges are paid.[62]
Rhode Island Prima facie One dismissal every 3 years for speed 14 mph (23 km/h) or less over limit.[63]
Virginia
  • Up to $250[64]
  • School zone: up to $250 additional[65]
  • Work zone: up to $500[66]
  • $200 civil penalty in certain towns[67]
 20 mph (32 km/h) over limit or over 80 mph (130 km/h).[68][69] Absolute[70] Point system[71] leading to fines, suspension, and mandatory driver education.[72]

History

One of the first speed limits in what would become the United States (at the time, still a British colony) was set in Boston in 1701 by the board of selectmen (similar to a city council):

Ordered, That no person whatsoever Shall at any time hereafter ride or drive a gallop or other extream pace within any of the Streets, lanes, or alleys in this Town on penalty of forfeiting three Shillings for every such offence, and it may be lawfull for any of the Inhabitants of this Town to make Stop of such horse or Rider untill the name of the offender be known in order to prosecution[73]

Federal speed controls

A sign next to a highway says "Speed Limit 50". A newspaper in the foreground has an article about the new speed limit.
In 1973, Congress enacted a national speed limit of 55 mph (89 km/h). Some states, such as Washington, enacted lower speed limits.
Further information: National Maximum Speed Law

In response to the 1973 oil crisis, Congress enacted the National Maximum Speed Law that created the universal 55 miles per hour (89 km/h) speed limit.[citation needed] Whether this reduced gasoline consumption is debated and the impact on safety is unclear; studies and opinions of safety advocates are mixed.

The law was widely disregarded by motorists, even after the national maximum was increased to 65 miles per hour (105 km/h) on certain roads in 1987 and 1988. In 1995, the law was repealed, returning the choice of speed limit to each state.

As of May 15, 2017, 41 states have maximum speed limits of 70 mph or higher. 18 of those states have 75 mph speed limits or higher, while 7 states of that same portion have 80 mph speed limits.

Minimum speed limits

In addition to the legally defined maximum speed, minimum speed limits may be applicable. Occasionally, there are default minimum speed limits for certain types of roads, generally freeways.

Comparable to the common basic speed rule, most jurisdictions also have laws prohibiting speeds so low they are dangerous or impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic.

Truck speed limits

Some jurisdictions set lower speed limits that are applicable only to large commercial vehicles like heavy trucks and buses. While they are called "truck speed limits", they generally do not apply to light trucks.

Theory

The research record is mixed. A 1987 study finds that crash involvement significantly increases when trucks drive much slower than passenger vehicles,[74] suggesting that the difference in speed between passenger vehicles and slower trucks could cause crashes that otherwise may not happen. Furthermore, in a review of available research, the Transportation Research Board (part of the United States National Research Council) states "[no] conclusive evidence could be found to support or reject the use of differential speed limits for passenger cars and heavy trucks" (page 11) and "a strong case cannot be made on empirical grounds in support of or in opposition to differential speed limits" (page 109).[75]

One study has claimed that two thirds (67%) of truck/passenger car crashes are the fault of the passenger vehicle.[76]

Night speed limits

Night speed limit in the Key Deer habitat on the Florida Keys. Note the nonreflective backing of the day speed limit number. At night, only the number on the lower sign is visible in the headlights.

The basic speed rule requires drivers adjust speeds to the conditions. This is usually relied upon to regulate proper night speed reductions, if required. Numeric night speed limits, which generally begin 30 minutes after sunset and end 30 minutes before sunrise, are occasionally used where, in theory, safety problems require a speed lower than what is self-selected by drivers.

Examples include:[citation needed]

  • Some streets in Tucson, Arizona without street lights.
  • Some Florida roads near Southwest Florida International Airport near Cape Coral/Fort Myers. (Most of these roads are labeled as "Panther Zones" or "Panther X-ing" areas.)
  • Daniels Parkway Ext., a four-lane divided highway near SW Florida International Airport with a 50 mph (80 km/h) daytime limit, and a night speed limit of 45 miles per hour (72 km/h) is considered by many to be a speed trap.[citation needed] This road joins neighboring SR 82, a two-lane road with a 60 mph (97 km/h) speed limit.
  • Colorado Highway 13, with a 65 mph (105 km/h) day/55 mph (89 km/h) night speed limit beginning 7.1 miles north of I-70 from north of Rifle to Colorado Highway 64 south of Meeker. Rural Colorado Highway 13 is 55 miles per hour (89 km/h) at night north of Meeker all the way to the Wyoming state line.
  • Highway 20 in Washington state between Twisp and Pateros has a 45mph speed limit due to high amounts of deer (and other wildlife) activity. Deer carcass's can be seen along the road all throughout summer

Some states create arbitrary night speed limits applicable to entire classes of roads. Until September 2011, Texas had a statutory 65 mph (105 km/h) night speed limit for all roads with a higher limit. Montana has a statutory 65 mph (105 km/h) night speed limit on all federal, state, and secondary roads except for Interstates.[citation needed]

Political considerations

Financial concerns

Traffic violations can be a lucrative income source for jurisdictions and insurance companies. For example:

  • Westlake, TX took in $42,000 per citizen over nine years for its speed traps.[77]
  • Insurance companies may receive several billions of dollars annually in traffic ticket surcharges.[78]
  • A study by the Federal Reserve of St. Louis found that traffic ticket writing increases when government revenue decreases.[79]
  • 2008 debates over traffic enforcement in Dallas County, TX involved concerns of lost profits if ticketwriting decreased.[80][81][82]
  • In Massachusetts, half of the ticket money goes to the police department that writes the speeding ticket, the other half goes to fund the court that convicts the speeder or collects the fine from them.

Thus, an authority that sets and enforces speed limits, such as a state government, regulates and taxes insurance companies, who also gain revenue from speeding enforcement. Furthermore, such an authority often requires "all" drivers to have policies with those same companies, solidifying the association between the state and auto insurers. If a driver cannot be covered under an insurance policy because of high risk, the state will assume that high risk for a greater monetary amount; thus resulting in even more revenue generation for the state.[83]

When a speed limit is used to generate revenue but has no safety justification, it is called a speed trap. The town of New Rome, Ohio was such a speed trap, where speeding tickets raised up to $400,000 per year to fund the police department of a 12-acre village with 60 residents.[84]

Environmental concerns

Reduced speed limits are sometimes enacted for air quality reasons. The most prominent example includes Texas' environmental speed limits.

Metric speed limits

The values of metric speed limits in the US are to be circumscribed in accordance with the MUTCD.

Though not common in the United States, a speed limit may be defined in kilometers per hour (km/h) as well as miles per hour (mph). The Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which provides guidelines for speed limit signage, states that "speed limits shown shall be in multiples of 10 km/h or 5 mph."[85] If a speed limit sign indicates km/h, the number is circumscribed and "km/h" is written below. Prior to 2003, metric speed limits were designated using the standard speed limit sign, usually with yellow supplemental "METRIC" and "km/h" plaques above it and below it, respectively.[86][87]

In 1995, the National Highway System Designation Act prohibited use of federal funds to finance new metric signage.

Definition of speeding

Either of the following qualifies a crash as speed-related in accordance with U.S. government rules:[88]

  1. Exceeding speed limits.
  2. Driving too fast for conditions.

Speeds in excess of speed limits account for most speed-related traffic citations; generally, "driving too fast for conditions" tickets are issued only after an incident where the ticket issuer found tangible evidence of unreasonable speed, such as a crash.

A criticism of the "exceeding speed limits" definition of speeding is twofold:

  1. When speed limits are arbitrary, such as when set through political rather than empirical processes, the speed limit's relationship to the maximum safe speed is weakened or intentionally eliminated. Therefore, a crash can be counted as speed-related even if it occurs at a safe speed, simply because the speed was in excess of a politically determined limit.
  2. The effective limit may still be too fast for certain conditions, such as limited visibility or reduced road traction[89] or even low-speed truck rollovers on exit ramps.[90]

Variable speed limits offer some potential to reduce speed-related crashes. However, due to the high cost of implementation, they exist primarily on freeways. Furthermore, most speed-related crashes occur on local and collector roads, which generally have far lower speed limits and prevailing speeds than freeways.[91]

Prima facie

Most states have absolute speed limits, meaning that a speed in excess of the limit is illegal per se. However, some states have prima facie speed limits.[92] This allows motorists to defend against a speeding charge if it can be proven that the speed was in fact reasonable and prudent.

Speed limits in Texas,[93] Utah,[94] and Rhode Island are prima facie. Some other states have a hybrid system: speed limits may be prima facie up to a certain speed or only on certain roads. For example, speed limits in California up to 55 mph, or 65 mph on highways, are prima facie, and those at or above those speeds are absolute.[95]

A successful prima facie defense is rare. Not only does the burden of proof rest upon the accused, a successful defense may involve expenses well in excess of the cost of a ticket, such as an expert witness. Furthermore, because prima facie defenses must be presented in a court, such a defense is difficult for out-of-town motorists.

See also

Notes

References

  1. ^ "Nixon Approves Limit of 55 MPH". The New York Times. January 3, 1974. pp. 1, 24. Retrieved July 22, 2008. (subscription required)
  2. ^ a b Blair, William G. (4 April 1987). "65-m.p.h. Signs Sprout Out West, but New York Region Holds Off". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  3. ^ "H.R.2 - 100th Congress (1987-1988): Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987". Congress.gov. Library of Congress. 2 April 1987. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  4. ^ Alabama Department of Public Safety rem New link for Alabama DPS Speed Limits http://www.dps.alabama.gov/Home/wfContentTableColumned.aspx?ID=40&PLH1=HPSPEEDLIMITS
  5. ^ American Samoa Code Section 22.0323 [1], and Frommer's [2]
  6. ^ Arizona Statutes Chapter 3 Article 6 State Legislature
  7. ^ "California Highways with 70 MPH Speed Limits". ca.gov. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
  8. ^ "Subchapter VIII. Speed Restrictions". Delaware State Legislature. May 19, 2008.
  9. ^ http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/traffic/2017/01/03/speed-limit-jump-del-1-near-dover-air-force-base/96126212/
  10. ^ District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Title 18 – Vehicle and Traffic (March 1997), chapter 22 "Moving Violations" [3] [4]
  11. ^ "Florida Department of Transportation". state.fl.us. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
  12. ^ "HB 674 – Maximus Speed Limots; vehicles having greater than 6 wheels". Georgia House of Representatives. May 21, 2008.
  13. ^ Guam Code Annotated Title 16 Chapter 3 Article 3 § 3301.[5], [6] and [7]
  14. ^ "SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE APPROVES SPEED LIMIT INCREASE". Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. February 1, 2006.
  15. ^ Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:61
  16. ^ "Public Michigan Vehicle code: Speed Restrictions". Michigan Legislature. November 9, 2006. Retrieved April 30, 2007.
  17. ^ a b http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/06/state_house_approves_75_mph_sp.html
  18. ^ 169.14, Minnesota Statute. Revisor.leg.state.mn.us (August 1, 2009).
  19. ^ HEAT Speed Management Program. Dot.state.mn.us.
  20. ^ http://www.nebraskatransportation.org/docs/speed-limit.pdf
  21. ^ Nitzman, Alex (2012-07-16). "Nevada @ AARoads - Interstate 80". AARoads.com. Retrieved 2016-07-26. Contrary to popular belief, the speed limit on Interstate 80 is not 75 mph all the way across Nevada. The speed limit stays at 65 mph from the California line into the Reno-Sparks metro area and eastward all the way to Milepost 23 near the Mustang Ranch.
  22. ^ Press, Associated. "Nevada implementing 80 mph speed limit on I-80". KSNV. Retrieved 2017-05-06.
  23. ^ "Nevada freeway speed limit to get bump to 80 mph". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2017-05-03. Retrieved 2017-05-06.
  24. ^ "Chapter 4 Safe Driving Rules & Regulations, (N.J.S.A. 39:4–98)". New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. April 24, 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-03-14. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ "Appendix A Designated 65mph Roadway Segments" (PDF). State of New Jersey & New Jersey Department of Transportation. April 24, 2008.
  26. ^ New Mexico Statutes Chapter 66 Article 7 part 4 Mexico State Legislature or nmlaws.org
  27. ^ NY State Vehicle and Traffic (VAT) Law § 1180-a Laws of New York State. Leginfo.state.ny.us.
  28. ^ "North Carolina General Statutes § 20-141(d)(2). Speed restrictions". North Carolina State Legislature. April 23, 2008.
  29. ^ "NCDOT, Strategic Highway Corridors, Facility Types and Control of Access Definitions". North Carolina Department of Transportation. April 23, 2008. Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ "NCDOT, Strategic Highway Corridors, Facility Types and Control of Access Definitions: Expressways". North Carolina Department of Transportation. April 23, 2008. Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t39c09.pdf
  32. ^ North Dakota Speed Zone Map
  33. ^ "| GHSA". www.ghsa.org. Retrieved 2017-01-07.
  34. ^ Ohio Revised Code 4511.21
  35. ^ Provance, Jim (September 28, 2013). "Speed limits rising to 70 mph for some state roads Sunday". Toledo Blade. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
  36. ^ "Speed limit on U.S. 30 bumped to 70 mph". The Lima News. June 25, 2015. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
  37. ^ Ohio Transportation Map. Ohio Department of Transportation, 2015. US 30, cited in the Lima News as 70 mph from the Indiana line to Mansfield, is not shown as freeway.
  38. ^ § 5122. Maximum lawful speed limits and penalties., Subchapter IV, Chapter 27, Title 9 of the Laws of Puerto Rico [8]
  39. ^ "Rhode Island Division Of Motor Vehicles: General Information". State Of Rhode Island, Division Of Motor Vehicles. May 27, 2008.
  40. ^ "S.C. Code Of Laws Title 56 Chapter 5 Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways". South Carolina State Legislature. May 1, 2008.
  41. ^ "Maximum posted speed limits". Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  42. ^ "What are the speed limits in South Dakota?". South Dakota Highway Patrol. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
  43. ^ Section 494. speed limits, Chapter 43, Part II, Title 20 of the Virgin Islands Code [9], and from a NHTSA summary [10]
  44. ^ Troopers plan to strictly enforce new 80 mph speed limit. ksl.com (January 5, 2009).
  45. ^ Utah Code 41-6a-601 - Speed regulations. le.utah.gov.
  46. ^ Tribune, The Salt Lake. "70 mph speed limit now official on Utah's urban interstates". sltrib.com. Retrieved 11 July 2016. Template:The speed limit in Cedar City is 75 mph on I-15 besides bypasses that are nearby
  47. ^ Utah Code 41-6a-602(3)(a)
  48. ^ Va. Code § 46.2-870. Virginia Legislative Information System. Law.lis.virginia.gov.
  49. ^ Washington State Department of Transportation (11 May 2016). "State officials will not raise I-90 speed limit in eastern Washington". wsdot.wa.gov. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  50. ^ Wisconsin Statute 346.57. (PDF).
  51. ^ Wyoming Statutes. Legisweb.state.wy.us.
  52. ^ "How to beat criminal speeding in Arizona A.R.S. §28-701.02". The Heath Law Firm. 24 April 2017. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  53. ^ http://www.nccourts.org/Courts/Trial/Documents/01_traffic-waiv2013.pdf
  54. ^ "§ 20-16". state.nc.us. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
  55. ^ "Home" (PDF). state.pa.us. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
  56. ^ TRANSPORTATION CODE CHAPTER 542. GENERAL PROVISIONS. Statutes.legis.state.tx.us.
  57. ^ TRANSPORTATION CODE CHAPTER 542. GENERAL PROVISIONS. Statutes.legis.state.tx.us.
  58. ^ TRANSPORTATION CODE CHAPTER 545. OPERATION AND MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES. Statutes.legis.state.tx.us.
  59. ^ TRANSPORTATION CODE CHAPTER 545. OPERATION AND MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES. Statutes.legis.state.tx.us.
  60. ^ CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CHAPTER 45. JUSTICE AND MUNICIPAL COURTS. Statutes.legis.state.tx.us.
  61. ^ CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CHAPTER 45. JUSTICE AND MUNICIPAL COURTS. Statutes.legis.state.tx.us.
  62. ^ TRANSPORTATION CODE CHAPTER 708. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAM. Statutes.legis.state.tx.us.
  63. ^ Revised Statutes – Browse Document
  64. ^ Va. Code § 18.2–11. Leg1.state.va.us.
  65. ^ Va. Code § 46.2-873. Leg1.state.va.us.
  66. ^ Va. Code § 46.2–878.1. Leg1.state.va.us (July 1, 2012).
  67. ^ Va. Code § 46.2–874.1. Leg1.state.va.us.
  68. ^ Va. Code § 46.2-862. Leg1.state.va.us.
  69. ^ Va. Code § 46.2-861. Leg1.state.va.us.
  70. ^ Va. Code § 46.2-878. Leg1.state.va.us.
  71. ^ Va. Code § 46.2-492. Leg1.state.va.us.
  72. ^ Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Motor Vehicles, "Moving Violations and Point Assessments". Dmv.virginia.gov (May 14, 2007).
  73. ^ A Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston containing the Boston Records From 1700 to 1728. Vol. 8. Boston: Rockwell and Churchill, City Printers. 1883. p. 12.
  74. ^ table V-4. (PDF).
  75. ^ Managing Speed: Review of Current Practices for Setting and Enforcing Speed Limits. Trb.org.
  76. ^ The Unsafe Driving Acts of Motorists in the Vicinity of Large Trucks. (PDF).
  77. ^ Small North Texas town tops list in speeding-ticket revenue | wfaa.com Dallas – Fort Worth. Wfaa.com (March 23, 2010).
  78. ^ Traffic Tickets Are Big Business. Blog.motorists.org (November 16, 2010).
  79. ^ St. Louis Fed: WP 2006-048C "Red Ink in the Rearview Mirror: Local Fiscal Conditions and the Issuance of Traffic Tickets". Research.stlouisfed.org.
  80. ^ Dallas County commissioners propose deal to eliminate traffic units, Dallas Morning News, June 27, 2008
  81. ^ As motorists’ frustration rises, justices of the peace pull out of automated ticket payment program, Dallas Morning News, July 5, 2008
  82. ^ Dallas County to scrap central collections for traffic tickets, Dallas Morning News, July 7, 2008
  83. ^ Stephen Moore on Speed Limits on National Review Online. Nationalreview.com (June 25, 2003).
  84. ^ Matt Hannafin (April 11, 2008). Highway Robbery: Coping with the Great American Speed Trap. Frommer's (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  85. ^ FHWA – MUTCD – 2003 Edition Revision 1 Chapter 2B. Mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.
  86. ^ MUTCD and metric road signs in the US. Lamar.colostate.edu.
  87. ^ New York Roads – I-87 – Northway. Alpsroads.net.
  88. ^ U.S. federal government brochure Archived September 25, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  89. ^ Synthesis of Safety Research Related to Speed, Publication No. FHWA-RD-98-154 Archived June 13, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  90. ^ Vehicular Stability Systems (VSS) – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Fmcsa.dot.gov.
  91. ^ [11] Archived May 24, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  92. ^ State Traffic and Speed Laws. Mit.edu.
  93. ^ Texas Transportation Code §545.351 and §545.352. Texas Legislature.
  94. ^ Utah State Legislature. Le.utah.gov.
  95. ^ "CA Codes (veh:22348-22366)". ca.gov. Retrieved 11 July 2016.

Law Review

  • R. A. Vinluan (2008). "Indefiniteness of automobile speed regulations as affecting validity". American Law Reports--Annotated, 3rd Series. Vol. 6. The Lawyers Co-operative Publishing Company; Bancroft-Whitney; West Group Annotation Company. p. 1326.
  • C. C. Marvel (2010). "Meaning of "residence district," "business district," "school area," and the like, in statutes and ordinances regulating speed of motor vehicles". American Law Reports--Annotated, 2nd Series. Vol. 50. The Lawyers Co-operative Publishing Company; Bancroft-Whitney; West Group Annotation Company. p. 343.
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