DMV Permit · Regulatory Signs

What does a sign with 'SPEED LIMIT 65' indicate?

Correct answer

65 mph is the maximum legal speed — exceeding it is a violation regardless of traffic or conditions

  1. A 65 mph applies only to trucks
  2. B You should drive near 65 mph when conditions allow
  3. C 65 mph is the minimum speed
  4. D 65 mph is the maximum legal speed — exceeding it is a violation regardless of traffic or conditions

Why this is the answer

SPEED LIMIT SIGNS are REGULATORY signs — white background, black text. The number indicates the MAXIMUM legal speed under NORMAL conditions. Key points: MAXIMUM, not target: driving 65 mph is permitted; driving 67 mph is a violation; NORMAL CONDITIONS qualifier: if it's raining, icy, foggy, or there is road construction, the safe speed may be lower than the posted limit — the BASIC SPEED LAW requires driving at a speed that is safe for conditions;

Minimum speeds: Some roads have minimum speed limits (usually on highways) — posted on separate signs.

Violations: Exceeding the posted limit is a moving violation with fines, points on licence, and potential insurance consequences.

Variable speed limits: Some highways have electronic signs that change the speed limit based on conditions — treat them as legally binding like static signs.

Source: DMV Handbook, Speed Limit Signs

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About this topic: Regulatory Signs

Black-on-white rectangular signs and special-shape signs (stop, yield, do-not-enter) all impose rules you must obey. Knowing the shapes lets you recognize them at a glance. This is one of 20 Road Signs questions on regulatory signs, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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