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DMV Permit · Speed Limits

What is the speed limit in a residential area or business district when no limit is posted?

Correct answer

Typically 25-35 mph depending on state default rules

  1. A 55 mph
  2. B Typically 25-35 mph depending on state default rules
  3. C 70 mph
  4. D There is no default; you can drive any speed

Why this is the answer

When no speed limit is posted, every state has 'default' or 'absolute' limits based on the road type. Typical defaults: 25 mph in business and residential districts (some states 30 or 35); 55-65 mph on rural highways; 65-70 mph on Interstates. School zones during posted hours are typically 15-25 mph. Alleys are typically 15 mph. These defaults are part of state vehicle code and apply automatically when signs are not posted or are obscured. The 'basic speed law' applies on top of these limits: even at the legal limit, you can be ticketed for driving too fast for conditions like rain, fog, or heavy traffic.
Source: State driver handbooks, Default Speed Limits

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