A 3-minute lesson from the Nevada course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Nevada's Basic Rule makes the speed limit a ceiling, not a target. You must drive at a speed that's reasonable and proper for the conditions around you — and that may be well below the posted limit.
Under the Basic Rule, you must consider:
The amount and type of traffic
The weather and the distance you can see
The road surface: dry, wet, icy or snow-covered
The type of road: flat and straight or steep and curvy; wide or narrow
Never drive at a speed that endangers you or anyone else. Speed limits are set for normal conditions; slow down when bad weather cuts visibility or makes the road slick.
The limit is 65 mph, but blowing dust means you can barely see the car ahead. The Basic Rule requires a speed that's safe for that visibility, even if it's far below 65.
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.
According to the handbook's speed examples, what is the posted speed limit for business and residential areas?
25 mph
15 mph
35 mph
45 mph
Answer: 25 mph
Business and residential areas (and some school zones) are posted at 25 mph.