New York DMV Permit Written TestRules of the Road and Traffic LawsMedium
You are driving on a street where the speed limit is 30 mph. You approach a school zone during school hours, and there are no signs indicating a different speed limit for the school zone. What is the maximum legal speed limit you should observe?
- A30 mph, as there are no specific school zone signs indicating otherwise.
- B25 mph, which is the default speed limit in school zones during school hours in New York State.
- CYou should only drive as fast as the slowest vehicle in the school zone.
- D20 mph, as you should always reduce your speed significantly around schools.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 25 mph, which is the default speed limit in school zones during school hours in New York State.
In New York State, unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit in a school zone during school hours (or when children are present) is 25 mph. This overrides any higher general speed limit for that street.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; the default school zone speed limit takes precedence over the general street speed limit.
- C. Driving at the speed of the slowest vehicle is not a legal mandate and can sometimes be too slow, impeding traffic flow.
- D. While reducing speed is good, 20 mph is not the default legal speed limit; 25 mph is the specific statutory limit.
School Zone Speed Limit (NYS)
In New York State, the default speed limit in a school zone is 25 mph during school hours or when children are present, unless otherwise posted.
- Default limit is 25 mph.
- Applies during school hours or when children are present.
- Overrides higher general speed limits for the street.
- May be lower if specifically posted.
Memory trick: School Zone = Twenty-Five Alive!