Florida Drivers Handbook |
3.4. Speed Limits
Speed Limits
Speed causes many crashes. More drivers are convicted
of speeding than any other offense. To avoid being fined
or involved in a crash, obey the speed limits.
Speed is very important in a collision. If you double the
speed of a car, you increase its force of impact four times.
If you triple the speed, the impact is nine times as great.
70 Does Not Always Mean 70
Remember that speed limits show the fastest speed you may
drive under good conditions. You are responsible for adjusting
your driving speed to the road conditions. For example,
if the weather is bad or there is a lot of traffic, you
must drive more slowly than the posted speed. The safe speed
is the one that allows you to have complete control of your
vehicle.
Florida "Standard" Speed Limits
| Municipal Speed Areas |
30 |
| Business or Residential Area |
30 |
| Rural Interstate |
70* |
| Limited Access Highways |
70 |
| All Other Roads and Highways |
55* |
| School Zones |
20 |
*The 55 MPH maximum speed limit is still
in effect in Florida except where otherwise posted. *Speed
limits are 70 MPH on some rural interstate
highways. Speed limits may be changed on other multi-lane
highways and in areas where the conditions require lower
speeds. Drivers should not assume because the area appears
to be a particular urban, municipality, business or highway
area that the speed is the standard or expected speed zone.
Observe and obey the posted speed signs as there may be
frequent changes from area to area along the selected roads
or highways.
Driving Too Slowly is also Against the Law
Drive with the flow of traffic (within the speed limit).
You should not drive so slowly that you block other vehicles
moving at normal, safe speeds. You can be issued a ticket
for driving too slowly. When the posted speed limit is 70
mph, the minimum speed limit is 50 mph.
Following Officer's and Fireman's Instructions
If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, pull off
immediately to the extreme right, clear of traffic when
possible. Turn off your engine. Reduce your headlights to
the parking light position at night. Sit calmly and follow
the instructions of the officer. You must follow any lawful
order or direction of (1) any law enforcement officer or
(2) any fireman at the scene of a fire who is directing
traffic. If a law enforcement officer is directing traffic
where there are signal lights, obey the officer - not the
signals.
Crossing Intersections
More crashes happen at intersections than any other
place. Be very careful when approaching any intersection
or driveway.
