BMV Speed Limits and Following Distance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the typical default speed limit in an urban/residential area in most U.S. states when no posted sign is present?
- 25 mph (Correct answer)
- 35 mph
- 45 mph
- 55 mph
Correct answer: 25 mph
Most states set a default speed limit of 25 mph in residential and urban areas when no sign is posted.
Question 2: What is the standard maximum speed limit on most interstate highways in the United States?
- 55 mph
- 65 mph
- 70 mph (Correct answer)
- 75 mph
Correct answer: 70 mph
70 mph is the most common posted maximum on U.S. interstate highways, though it varies by state.
Question 3: The 'two-second rule' is used to maintain a safe following distance. How is it applied?
- Count two seconds from when the car ahead passes a fixed point until you pass it (Correct answer)
- Stay two car lengths behind at all times
- Leave two feet of space for every 10 mph
- Count two seconds after the car ahead brakes before you brake
Correct answer: Count two seconds from when the car ahead passes a fixed point until you pass it
You pick a fixed roadside marker, count two seconds after the car ahead passes it, and ensure you reach it no sooner.
Question 4: Under wet or slippery road conditions, how should you adjust your following distance?
- Keep the same distance
- Double it to at least four seconds (Correct answer)
- Reduce it to stop faster
- Follow one second closer to see brake lights sooner
Correct answer: Double it to at least four seconds
Wet roads increase stopping distance, so doubling the following distance to four seconds provides a safe buffer.
Question 5: In a school zone with children present, what speed limit is most commonly posted?
- 15 mph
- 25 mph (Correct answer)
- 35 mph
- 45 mph
Correct answer: 25 mph
Most school zones require drivers to slow to 25 mph when children are present or during school hours.
Question 6: What does 'prima facie' speed limit mean?
- A speed limit that is absolute and cannot be exceeded under any circumstances
- A presumed reasonable speed that can be challenged if conditions warranted a different speed (Correct answer)
- The speed limit printed on green highway signs
- A speed limit applied only to commercial trucks
Correct answer: A presumed reasonable speed that can be challenged if conditions warranted a different speed
A prima facie speed limit is presumed safe but a driver may argue conditions justified a different speed in court.
Question 7: If you are driving at 60 mph, approximately how many feet does your vehicle travel per second?
- 44 feet
- 60 feet
- 88 feet (Correct answer)
- 120 feet
Correct answer: 88 feet
At 60 mph a vehicle travels roughly 88 feet per second, calculated by multiplying mph by 1.47.
BMV Speed Limits and Following Distance 1
What is the typical default speed limit in an urban/residential area in most U.S. states when no posted sign is present?