It's a Team's Life

What does a Speed Limit sign really mean?

Many speed limit signs have posted the maximum and the minimum speed you are allowed by law. So every state has split speed limits, as all do not choose to drive the maximum speed posted.

Awhile back North Carolina was rumored that they were going to write tickets over the Easter holiday for anyone going one MPH over the posted speed limit. The hue and cry was unbelievable that the police officers would waste their time and the taxpayer's money by ticketing people breaking the law.

Looking all over internet there is no where that says that the speed limit sign posting the speed of 55 MPH really means it is legal to go five over or more before getting a ticket. The signs clearly state a maximum speed and many post a minimum speed and I have to wonder if someone is running the minimum speed if they might get ticketed way before the vehicle going five over the speed limit. That is pure speculation on my part but...

When did it become common to set the cruise five over the posted speed limit and not expect to get a ticket? The limit is the limit and if someone chooses to run ten mile per hour below the posted speed limit but well above the minimum that should not be a problem as they are not breaking the law. The vehicles following the speed limit signs and staying below the posted speed should stay in the right lane so as not to impede or get run over by those who do not follow the posted limit signs.

So why all of the fuss over split speed limits when every state has a minimum and maximum speed limit on most highways and interstates? For those that do not run the posted maximum when they are passed the passing vehicle will often give them a friendly wave not using all of their fingers or even move their lips clearly so you can easily understand they are saying a nice "Hello".