A speed limit is a maximum speed at which you are allowed to operate your motor vehicle on a particular highway, street, or location. You are required by law not to exceed the speed limit. West Palm Beach has several different speed limits, including in residential areas where unless it is posted; otherwise, the limit is 25 or 30 miles per hour. On all other roads that are not an interstate, divided highway or main thoroughfare, the speed limit is 45 miles per hour unless posted otherwise.
If you live in the area or are visiting, it is imperative that you follow and know the West Palm Beach speed limits. If you have been charged with speeding or another traffic infraction, contact an experienced traffic lawyer from Leifert & Leifert.
What Are the Different Types of Speed Limit Terms?
There are three different types of speed limit terms that people should know, which are:
- Absolute speed limit
- Presumed speed limit
- Basic speed limit
An absolute speed limit is the highest speed an individual can go, a presumed speed limit is what the driver assumes they can go because it is not posted, depending on the area, and the basic speed limit is the least amount that they can go.
A presumed speed limit usually depends on where an individual is. If they are in a residential area, there is one presumed limit, and in a commercial area, another, and if they are on a highway, there is a different speed limit. The presumed speed limit in a residential area is 25 or 30, unless posted otherwise. A multilane highway or commercial area has a speed limit of 45 miles per hour unless posted otherwise, an interstate highway has a speed limit of 65.
On West Palm Beach highways, a basic speed limit is the minimum speed allowed. For example, the minimum is usually 40 miles per hour so that the flow of traffic is maintained uninterrupted by slow drivers.
Highest Speed Limit in West Palm Beach
The highest speed limit in West Palm Beach is 70 miles per hour, which is on I-95 and certain sections of the turnpike. Other sections are 65 miles per hour, but the maximum is 70 in the more northern areas of the county. Some risks with speeding on the highways include the faster someone goes, the more velocity they have and the more energy in their vehicle. The damage or injuries will be much greater than if the individual were in a parking lot or a residential neighborhood.
Also, the faster an individual goes, the more likely they are going to get seen or noticed by a police officer and get a ticket for speeding.
Possible Speeding Defenses
Some legal defenses against a charge of speeding include arguing against the credibility of the operator of the speed reading instrument, attacking the credibility of the instrument used, and attacking the circumstances under which the case occurred.
Some mitigating circumstances for speeding could be that the person was not familiar with the area, they were just going with the flow of traffic, and did not see the signs. They may have been rushing to a hospital, but if it is an emergency, they should call 911, get an ambulance or a police escort. There is no legal defense for speeding. However, an experienced West Palm Beach defense attorney from Leifert & Leifert could fight for you and help you with your speed limit case.
Call a West Palm Beach Attorney About Speed Limits
Knowing and following the West Palm Beach speed limits could help you avoid tickets, fines, and points on your driver’s license. To learn more traffic laws and how a legal professional could help you, call Leifert & Leifert today.
