A 3-minute lesson from the Delaware course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Delaware has two speed rules and you must obey both: the specific speed limits, and a general rule that you may never drive faster than is reasonable for conditions—even if that's below the posted limit.
Know the rule
Never drive faster than is reasonable under existing conditions—it isn't always lawful to drive at the posted limit. Always control your speed to avoid hitting any person or vehicle, whatever the weather, traffic or your hurry.
Don't drive so slowly that you impede the normal, reasonable movement of traffic, except when necessary for safety or to obey the law. Obey posted minimum speeds unless weather or other conditions make them unsafe.
An advisory speed isn't a speed limit, but if you exceed it and crash, you may be found to have violated the general speed restriction and could be arrested.
Speed limits are set for ideal conditions. On wet or icy roads, in poor visibility or heavy traffic, you must slow down—you can be ticketed for going too fast for conditions even under the limit.
Thick fog settles over a 50-mph two-lane road. Driving 50 could get you a ticket under the general speed restriction. Slow to a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can actually see.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What is the default speed limit in a Delaware school zone (when children are present)?
20 mph
15 mph
25 mph
30 mph
Answer: 20 mph
Delaware's default school zone speed limit is 20 mph when children are present.
