Confusing Speed Limits

fmdog44

fmdog44

Well-known Member
Location
Houston, Texas
At the school intersection today facing west at a light the limit was 30 where I drove westbound up to the light. If you turned left (south) the limit was 20, If you went straight (west) to cross the street the speed was 25. It may be important to consider this is a high school. Think there are jokes about this by high schoolers? God bless Texas🇺🇲
 

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A serious speed limit question.

Does the new speed limit go into effect when you see the sign or when you get to the sign?

I've asked a couple of our local police officers and all I've ever gotten was a squishy sounding answer.
 

In my area, speed limits can change without warning within a few mile stretch. Opportunistic cops have been know to lurk out of sight where the speed limit drops... 🚓
 
Aunt Bea said:
A serious speed limit question.

Does the new speed limit go into effect when you see the sign or when you get to the sign?

I've asked a couple of our local police officers and all I've ever gotten was a squishy sounding answer.
Click to expand...
A speed "zone" is the answer. That zone exists between the physical location of the signs.
 
Aunt Bea said:
A serious speed limit question.

Does the new speed limit go into effect when you see the sign or when you get to the sign?

I've asked a couple of our local police officers and all I've ever gotten was a squishy sounding answer.
Click to expand...

The speed limit on a Regulatory sign takes effect when your car bumper becomes even with the sign is a good way to put it. The UNIFORM MANUAL ON TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES has no clear answer, just that the sign must be clearly visible and readable when approaching. This is simply a notice requirement of a change in the speed, up or down.

When a sign is observed, I always start to coast, that will give me enough time to adjust the brake pressure if the limit is lower.
 
Why are they making us slow down then to 25 or 20 which is ridiculous outside of a school zone? I thought it was just in my city but it seems this is becoming an issue across the country.
 
chic said:
Why are they making us slow down then to 25 or 20 which is ridiculous outside of a school zone? I thought it was just in my city but it seems this is becoming an issue across the country.
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I think you may find that it's to increase the chance of survival if you hit a cyclist or pedestrian (their chance of survival that is)

In Sweden we have speed zones outside all schools and pre-schools of 30 kph (18mph) in built up areas 50 kph (30 mph) and in many town centres 40 kph (25 mph).

One of the main reasons given for reducing speed in school areas is that studies have shown that the chances of someone surviving being struck by a car traveling at 30 kph (18 mph) are 90% but being struck by a car traveling at 50 kph (30 mph) is only 20%. Plus of course you as the driver have a little more time to react when driving at the lower speed.

30 kph is equivalent to falling from the first floor of a building (think this would be second floor in the USA) and 50 kph is like falling from the third floor (fourth floor in the USA)
 
Here most large cities changed the speed limits
a couple of years ago, main roads stay at 30 MPH,
but secondary roads are now at 20 MPH especially
on residential streets.

I have never heard of anybody being charged for
speeding in a 20 zone since it was introduced.

Mike.
 
Mike said:
I have never heard of anybody being charged for
speeding in a 20 zone since it was introduced.

Mike.
Click to expand...
My oldest daughter was stopped for doing 40 kph in a 30 kph zone outside a school. It cost her the equivalent of 200 pounds.
 

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