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

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.