What is the basic speed law in New York?

What is the basic speed law in New York?

• A. Post the posted speed limit and adhere to it at all times
• B. Drive at or below the posted limit at all times
• C. Maintain a constant speed of 25 mph in all areas
• D. Drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for current conditions, regardless of posted limits

Answer: (D)

The basic speed law requires you to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the current conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit. This means you must adjust your speed for things like weather, visibility, road surface, traffic, curves, and hazards. If conditions are poor, slow down even if the limit is high; if conditions are good, you may travel near the posted limit, but you still must choose a speed that’s safe. The other options miss this idea: simply following the posted limit at all times, or a fixed speed like a constant 25 mph, isn’t what the law requires.

The basic speed law requires you to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the current conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit. This means you must adjust your speed for things like weather, visibility, road surface, traffic, curves, and hazards. If conditions are poor, slow down even if the limit is high; if conditions are good, you may travel near the posted limit, but you still must choose a speed that’s safe. The other options miss this idea: simply following the posted limit at all times, or a fixed speed like a constant 25 mph, isn’t what the law requires.