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DMV Permit · Speed Limits

What does a yellow advisory speed sign on a curve mean?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

A recommended safe speed for the upcoming curve under normal conditions, not a legal limit (which would be in black-on-white)

  1. A A recommended safe speed for the upcoming curve under normal conditions, not a legal limit (which would be in black-on-white)
  2. B The speed at which to start braking
  3. C A minimum speed
  4. D A maximum legal speed limit

Why this is the answer

Yellow advisory speeds (typically square or diamond yellow signs with a speed number) are recommendations for navigating an upcoming curve, ramp, or hazard. They are not legal limits in the same way black-on-white speed limit signs are — but driving above the advisory speed and crashing is strong evidence of unsafe driving. For passenger cars in good conditions, the advisory is calibrated to be a safe maximum; for commercial vehicles, especially tankers and high-profile vehicles, the safe speed is lower. In wet, icy, or otherwise compromised conditions, the safe speed is lower for any vehicle. The basic speed law requires you to drive at a speed safe for conditions, which may be below the advisory.
Source: State driver handbooks, Advisory Speeds

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About this topic: Speed Limits

Speed limit questions cover the default limits in school zones, residential areas, business districts and highways, the basic speed rule (never faster than conditions allow) and how to adjust speed for weather and traffic. This is one of 11 Rules of the Road questions on speed limits, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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