Driving is a privilege embraced by many drivers throughout Fort Lauderdale. However, with this privilege, drivers are also presented with specific boundaries regarding how fast, or how slow, they are legally allowed to drive. Although speed limits are easy to identify since they are placed on every road and highway, certain laws may still be unbeknownst to some. To learn more about speed limit laws, continue reading below or reach out to one of our knowledgeable Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert today.
Basic Speed Limit Rules in Ft Lauderdale
In Fort Lauderdale, there are some basic speed limit rules. For example, no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards that exist at the time. Further, under the basic speed law in Florida, an individual’s speed shall be controlled as may be necessary to avoid a collision with any persons, vehicles, or objects entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care. Lastly, the driver of every vehicle shall drive at an appropriately reduced speed. That means even if there is a sign that says they could go a particular speed limit, they have to reduce their speed when:
- Approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing
- Approaching and going around a curve
- Approaching a hillcrest
- Traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway
- Any special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians, other traffic, or by reason of weather or highway conditions
With respect to weather, situations of heavy rain or fog would require an individual to drive even slower than the speed limit. By “absolute” speed limit, the law is referring to what the presumptive or statutory speed limits are.
Maximum Allowable Speeds and Changing Speed Limits
Statutorily, the maximum allowable speed on any limited access highway is 70 miles per hour. All other locations have a limit of 55 miles per hour. As it relates to business and residential areas or districts, the limit is 30 miles per hour.
After engineering and traffic studies are done, the state or local governments within their jurisdictions may increase or decrease the statutory speed limit on a highway. However, the state may not establish a speed limit greater than 70 miles per hour. Local jurisdictions may also not establish a speed limit greater than 60 miles per hour.
Speed Minimums
No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. The minimum speed limit on any interstate highway is 40 miles per hour. However, on highways where the posted speed limit is 70 miles per hour, the minimum speed limit is 50 miles per hour. There is a law that says that any person driving less than the normal speed of traffic shall drive in the right-hand lane that is available for traffic or as close as possible.
Some other specific laws that relate to speeding include no school bus should drive in excess of 55 miles an hour and no person shall exceed the posted speed limit in a work zone or school zone.
Speak with a Legal Representative Today
Speed limits are designed to protect drivers from operating their vehicle in a reckless manner. Unfortunately, some speed limit laws are not known to every driver in Fort Lauderdale. To familiarize yourself with the speeding regulations in Ft Lauderdale, be sure to schedule a consultation today. One of our Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert who has handled speeding cases in the past could see to it that all your questions are answered.
