New York DMV Permit Written TestRules of the Road and Traffic LawsMedium
You are driving on a road where the speed limit is not posted. What is the maximum speed limit in a city or town residential area in New York State, unless otherwise posted?
- A30 mph
- B20 mph
- C45 mph
- D55 mph
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 30 mph
In New York State, the default speed limit in cities and towns, especially residential or business districts, is 30 mph unless otherwise posted. It's crucial to be aware of these unposted default limits.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While some school zones might be 20 mph, it's not the general unposted limit for residential areas.
- C. This is generally too high for unposted city/town residential areas.
- D. This is the default speed limit for most state highways, not residential areas.
Unposted Speed Limits
Default maximum speeds legally permitted in specific areas when no speed limit signs are present.
- NYS default for cities/towns: 30 mph.
- NYS default for most state highways: 55 mph.
- Always adjust speed for conditions, even if within the limit.
- Be alert for school zones, which have specific limits.
Memory trick: City's thirty, highway's fifty-five, stay alive!