A 3-minute lesson from the New York course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Speed limits are maximums for ideal conditions. Rain, fog or heavy traffic can make even the posted limit unsafe, and so can driving too slowly. The other half of speed control is space: most rear-end crashes come from following too closely.
You can be ticketed for a speed "not reasonable" for conditions. On a slippery or fogged-in expressway posted at 55 or even 65 mph, driving 50 mph could still earn a ticket.
Some highways have minimum speed limits to keep traffic flowing. Driving slower than the minimum, or much too slowly where there isn't one, can be as dangerous as speeding.
If someone tailgates you, move to another lane if possible, or slow down and pull off the road to let them by, signaling as you leave and re-enter the road. Don't brake suddenly or unnecessarily; it may startle them and escalate into road rage.
It's pouring on the Thruway and you're behind a tractor-trailer. As its rear passes an overpass, count: you should reach the overpass no sooner than "one thousand three" or "one thousand four." If you get there sooner, drop back.
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.
If no speed limit is posted, what is the fastest you may legally drive?
45 mph
65 mph
50 mph
55 mph
Answer: 55 mph
If no speed limit is posted, you may not drive faster than 55 mph.