Sammy Hagar couldn’t drive 55. Can you? To protect your safety (and your wallet), it’s important to adhere to the laws posted on traffic signs in Vermont. That includes speed limits.
These restrictions are based on standards for various types of roadways and conditions. Since postings can vary from state to state, it’s good to have a general understanding of how these laws work. Here’s an overview.
Types of Speed Limits
As you view traffic signs in Vermont, you should realize that there is more than one type of speed limit. Remaining aware of these types of limits will help you adhere to the laws:
- Statutory speed limit: These limits are established by each state. They provide standard speed limits for specific types of roads. These are considered applicable whether or not there is a speed limit sign in place on a roadway. For example, residential areas may have a speed limit of 25 mph, rural highways 55 mph and interstates 70 mph. (The max highway speed in Vermont is 65 mph.)
- Posted speed limit: These speed limits are clearly posted on signs for a specific road. They are also called regulatory speed limits. They may be the same as a state’s statutory speed limit or slightly different to adjust for the conditions of that particular street. When there is a posted speed limit, it takes precedence over any statutory speed limits.
- Conditional speed limits: Often, you will encounter speed limits that are based on special conditions. These include school zone safety speed limits and work zone speed limits, which are posted for designated areas that require drivers to use a more cautious approach. There are also variable speed limits, which are temporarily displayed if conditions require a slower speed limit than what is normally posted, due to weather or an accident. Lastly, advisory speeds are posted by traffic signs in Vermont on a stretch of road that requires slower driving. You’ll find these at sharp curves, advising you to take the turn slowly.
Speed Limit Enforcement
Of course, the first thing we think of when we consider speed limit enforcements is the much-dreaded ticket. In Vermont, the current maximum speeding penalty is $300, a month in prison and/or 30-plus day license suspension.
Getting pulled over for speeding is a fairly common occurrence on American roadways. However, there are other traffic signs in Vermont and techniques that are used to encourage drivers to adhere to posted speed limits:
- Speed humps: Also referred to as speed bumps, these raised pavement sections force motorists to slow down. They can effectively reduce speeds in areas where drivers might be tempted to travel faster than is recommended. Traffic signs in Vermont inform drivers of an upcoming speed hump.
- Speed feedback signs: These signs display drivers’ speeds on an LED screen as they pass it. This feedback helps drivers remain aware of their speed and encourages them to slow down.
Learn More
Curious about other traffic signs in Vermont? To discover more about speed limits and how signs are used to communicate them, contact the experts at Worksafe Traffic Control Industries. We are a leading manufacturer of construction, highway and commercial signs. Reach out to us today to learn more!