You must not drive your vehicle at a speed greater than:
- The maximum speed limit.
- A speed that is faster than is reasonable and prudent.
- A speed that is safe for existing conditions.
- All of the above. ✓
Answer: D. All of the above.
You must not drive faster than the posted maximum speed limit, faster than is reasonable and prudent, or faster than is safe for the current conditions, so all of these limits apply.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says drivers must obey posted minimum and maximum speed limits, and it adds that in heavy traffic, bad weather, low visibility, or other poor conditions you must adjust your speed to help avoid crashes. It also says you must always obey the speed limit. So the posted maximum is not the only ceiling: your speed also has to stay reasonable and safe for what is happening around you. The handbook does not use the exact phrase "reasonable and prudent," so this is supported mainly by its condition-adjustment rule.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. The maximum speed limit. — The maximum speed limit is one ceiling, but it is incomplete because poor conditions can require you to drive slower than that limit.
- B. A speed that is faster than is reasonable and prudent. — Being reasonable and prudent is one limit, but it is incomplete because you also must obey the posted maximum and adjust for conditions.
- C. A speed that is safe for existing conditions. — Driving at a speed safe for existing conditions is one limit, but it is incomplete because the posted maximum and reasonable judgment also apply.
Remember it
Think of speed as having three ceilings: the sign, your judgment, and the conditions.