Summary of State Speed Laws - NHTSA

PURPOSE
This summary reports ONLY the status of State
statutes or regulations that are concerned with either
speed limit or speed-related violations. Local laws
are not reported. Unless otherwise indicated, the
status of the State laws or regulations reported is
January 1, 2006.
ORGANIZATION
The summary is divided into two areas: (1)
Introduction; (2) a State-by-State-Analysis. The
State-by-State Analysis is organized by State and
then by specific legal topics. The State-by-State
Analysis includes code and case law citations; these
should help individuals conducting additional
research in this area of the law. The State-by-State
Analysis can be used to facilitate the comparison of
State laws in the subject areas.
The Appendix, using the State-by-State analysis
format, gives the Uniform Vehicle Code’s
provisions on speed limit and speed-related
offenses.
EXPLANATIONS
Basic Speed Rule: The Basic Speed Rule requires
vehicle operators to drive at a speed that is
reasonable and prudent. As a corollary to this rule,
State laws usually provide that "every person shall
drive at a safe and appropriate speed when
approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad
grade crossing, when approaching and going around
a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when
traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and
when special hazards exist with respect to
pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather
or highway conditions." See Uniform Vehicle
Code §11-801.
INTRODUCTION
Minimum Speed Rule: The Minimum Speed Rule
prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle at
such a slow speed as to impede the normal and
reasonable movement of traffic. However, in order
to avoid a possible conflict with the basic speed
rule, the law normally provides that a slow speed is
permissible when "reduced speed is necessary for
safe operation or in compliance with law." See
Uniform Vehicle Code §11-805(a).
Racing on the Highway: "Racing on the highway"
is usually defined as driving "any vehicle in any
race, speed competition or contest, drag race or
acceleration contest, test of physical endurance,
exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the
purpose of making a speed record." See Uniform
Vehicle Code §11-809(a).
Drag Racing: Either as part of the offense of
highway racing or as a separate statutory crime, the
offense of "drag racing" is normally defined as "the
operation of two or more vehicles from a point side
by side at accelerating speed in competitive attempt
to outdistance each other, or the operation of one or
more vehicles over a common selected course, from
the same point to the same point, for the purpose of
comparing the relative speeds or power of
acceleration of such vehicles or vehicles within a
certain distance or time limit." See Uniform
Vehicle Code §11-809(b).
Reckless Driving: "Reckless driving" is normally
defined as driving "any vehicle in willful or wanton
disregard for the safety of persons or property."
See Uniform Vehicle Code §11-901(a). Note:
Speed is not necessarily a factor in this offense.
iii SPEED 2005