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Speed Limits and Controls
- 1/20Vehicle enters business area with no speed sign posted
In Massachusetts, the default speed limit in business districts is 30 Miles Per Hour (MPH) unless a sign indicates otherwise. This applies even if traffic is light.
Driver pass a school with children outside during morning arrival
During active school hours with children present, drivers must slow to 20 Miles Per Hour (MPH) in Massachusetts school zones. Flashing signs may also be used.
Heavy rain begins while driving through suburban roadways
Speeding in poor weather even under the limit is unsafe and illegal. You must adjust your speed for visibility, traction, and traffic conditions.
A flashing work zone sign appears on highway shoulder
In marked work zones, Massachusetts automatically doubles fines for speeding. These zones require extra caution for worker and driver safety.
Driver approaching a residential street without a posted limit
If no speed signs are posted, Massachusetts law uses a default 30 Miles Per Hour (MPH) limit in residential areas. Stay alert for kids or parked cars.
SUV(Sport Utility Vehicle) travels on unpaved backroad with sharp turns
For unposted rural roadways, the standard speed limit is 40 Miles Per Hour (MPH) in Massachusetts. However, curves or bad road surfaces may require even less.
Traffic moves freely on a posted 65 Miles Per Hour (MPH) expressway
Even if traffic seems fast, 65 Miles Per Hour (MPH) is the legal maximum on most Massachusetts expressways. Obey signs and maintain safe following distance.
Driver goes 55 Miles Per Hour (MPH) on a foggy state route
In foggy or low visibility conditions, Massachusetts law expects drivers to slow below posted limits. Unsafe speed can still lead to citations.
Car exits a highway into tight urban streets
Once off the highway, roads in cities and towns typically require 30 mph. Look for signs and prepare to stop at intersections.
A curve warning sign suggests 25 Miles Per Hour (MPH) on a sharp bend
Yellow curve signs show suggested speeds not mandatory limits but ignoring them is dangerous. Reducing speed improves handling on curves.
Driver passing a parked school bus with stop sign extended
In Massachusetts, passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights is prohibited. Doing so can result in fines, license suspension, or jail.
A slippery bridge sign appears after a snowstorm
Bridges freeze faster than roads and become slippery. Reduce speed well before the bridge to prevent losing control.
Motorcycle passes your car rapidly in a residential zone
The residential limit is 30 Miles Per Hour (MPH). Any vehicle including motorcycles must follow it. Excessive speed risks crashes and citations.
Driving near playground during a busy weekend afternoon
Even outside school zones, areas with kids or recreation may need slower speeds. Be alert and ready to stop suddenly.
Approaching a steep hill on a rural route
When facing hills, reduce speed and use a lower gear. Braking too late increases risk of sliding or brake failure.
Two lane road has vehicles merging from the left
When others merge into your lane, adjust speed and give space. Merging zones often require quick reactions and caution.
School zone lights flash but no kids visible
Flashing school lights activate the 20 Miles Per Hour (MPH) limit even if children are not visible. It is still legally enforceable during set hours.
Entering a tunnel with a 45 Miles Per Hour (MPH) sign posted
Tunnel speed signs are mandatory. Driving too fast or too slow in a tunnel can cause pileups or disrupt traffic flow.
Driving past a hospital with crosswalk ahead
Hospitals have high foot traffic, especially near emergency entrances. Slowing down gives time to stop for patients or staff.
Sign says radar enforced, limit is 50 Miles Per Hour (MPH)
Radar enforced zones are monitored electronically. Even 1 to 2 Miles Per Hour (MPH) over the limit can result in a ticket. Stay within the posted speed.