About one-third of all motor vehicle deaths involve speeding. The faster you go, the less you see, the longer it takes to stop, and the worse the crash. Massachusetts speed laws are strongly enforced.
Know the rule
Signs, signals, pavement markings and driving laws control travel on public roads. Whatever you drive, you must obey these rules of the road on streets, rotaries and highways, and at special crossings, intersections and traffic hazards.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Pedestrians seriously injured or killed when hit at
| Vehicle speed | Share |
|---|---|
| 20 mph | 13% |
| 30 mph | 40% |
| 40 mph | 73% |
Know the rule
The fundamental speed law: never travel so fast that it's unsafe. Base your speed on traffic, road conditions, weather and visibility, and on pedestrians or bicyclists. Slow down for poor conditions even if the posted limit is higher.
Handbook p. 87 ↗Know the rule
Never drive faster than the posted speed limit. All speed limits are based on ideal driving conditions; if conditions are hazardous, you must drive slower.
Handbook p. 87 ↗Unless posted otherwise, it's unreasonable to exceed
| Where | Speed |
|---|---|
| A school zone | 20 mph |
| A thickly settled or business district | 30 mph (unless signs show 25 mph) |
| Outside a thickly settled or business district | 40 mph |
| A highway outside a thickly settled/business district | 50 mph |
Thickly settled district
An area where buildings are fewer than 200 feet apart for a distance of 1/4 mile or more. Some communities set a 25 mph thickly settled limit, posted at all entrances.
Handbook p. 88 ↗Know the rule
Limited-access highways, like interstate routes, have speed limits from 50 to 65 mph. Smaller highways have limits of 55 mph or lower.
Handbook p. 87 ↗Minimum speeds
| Road | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Turnpike | 40 mph |
| Boston Harbor tunnels (Callahan, Sumner, Ted Williams) | 20 mph |
Know the rule
Even without a posted minimum, a police officer may order a driver who is slowing traffic to the side of a state highway.
Handbook p. 87 ↗Know the rule
The speed limit near schools is 20 mph. It may be posted with flashing yellow lights or for certain hours. Watch for school zone signs, children crossing or biking, safety patrols and crossing guards.
Handbook p. 88 ↗
Know the rule
Speeding also costs you money: you use more fuel at higher speeds and may face fines and insurance increases.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Put it into practice
You're driving 40 mph in a heavy rainstorm on a highway posted at 50 mph. You can still get a ticket for driving too fast, because your speed must suit the conditions, not just stay under the sign.