Speed limits - When does it change ?

[Boomer]

This question came up last evening when we were driving on a road we have traveled for years. The speed limit changes from 35 to 50. The question is when may you go 50 ? On this road we know exactly where the 50MPH speed limit sign is located. We accelerate to 50 as soon as we can see the 50MPH sign(even though we cannot read the sign as we know exactly where it is located). Does the speed limit change at the sign or when you can actually read the new speed limit ?

Thanks all

[Paradigm]

I'm not a lawyer, and I certainly don't understand PennDOT's mode of thinking, but I would imagine that the sign is the marker of when the speed is in effect.

You don't stop at a stop light when you can first see it, do you?

[cameraman]

This question came up last evening when we were driving on a road we have traveled for years. The speed limit changes from 35 to 50. The question is when may you go 50 ? On this road we know exactly where the 50MPH speed limit sign is located. We accelerate to 50 as soon as we can see the 50MPH sign(even though we cannot read the sign as we know exactly where it is located). Does the speed limit change at the sign or when you can actually read the new speed limit ?

Thanks all

The speed changes at the sign. A friend of the family recently fought a ticket for just this type of offense. The cop cited him for doing 50 in a 35 The cop was just past the sign and clocked him before the sign. He researched it and took a hearing. He won.

[Boomer]

You don't stop at a stop light when you can first see it, do you?

No I don't but I do decelerate before the stop sign or traffic signal. So would you assume you would be allowed to accelerate to the new posted speed limit ?

[Longshot]

When I took Drivers Ed many many years ago, we were taught that when you see the sign for a speed limit change, to start accelerating up to that new speed. I have also heard of officers giving people a break if stopped for speeding if the a speed change is within sight.

[avizpls]

MY question is when do the speed limits change? They were made for cars with no power steering or brakes, poor bias ply tires, front heavy, RWD vehicles.

Now, a suburban SUV makes for a better handling and safer car than a corvette of the 70's!

I call for an across the board 15MPH increase.

[Dredly]

MY question is when do the speed limits change? They were made for cars with no power steering or brakes, poor bias ply tires, front heavy, RWD vehicles.

Now, a suburban SUV makes for a better handling and safer car than a corvette of the 70's!

I call for an across the board 15MPH increase.

i hope thats a joke

[avizpls]

well, either yes, or GTFO of the left lane unless you are ACTUALLY passing someone. Not jsut riding next to them for miles and miles while I'm behind you wanting to pass

Yes, thats me behind you patiently, but frustrated, waiting for you to do something so i can pass

[D10]

I think it's 50yards before and 50 yards after the sign but I am not quite sure about it.

[Swarner793]

I believe a sign designates a zone starting AFTER the sign.

There is a similar situation on I-180 Eastbound in the area of Montoursville. You can see the sign a ways off, past the exchange but Montoursville PD runs a speedtrap at that on ramp. Yes, you read that correctly, a Municipal PD running a speedtrap on an Interstate Highway. Borough Council had a hard time with it until the PD stated they were checking the speed of individuals driving on the State Route 220, it runs together there for several miles.

Be safe (and keep your papers handy, please).

Scott