MA DMV Speed Limits and Speeding Violations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the default speed limit in a thickly settled or business district in Massachusetts when no speed limit sign is posted?
- 10 mph
- 20 mph
- 30 mph (Correct answer)
- 45 mph
Correct answer: 30 mph
Massachusetts law sets a default speed limit of 30 mph in thickly settled or business districts unless a different limit is posted.
Question 2: What is the speed limit in a Massachusetts school zone when children are present or the zone is in effect?
- 15 mph
- 20 mph (Correct answer)
- 25 mph
- 30 mph
Correct answer: 20 mph
School zones in Massachusetts have a 20 mph speed limit when children are present or when flashing lights indicate the zone is active.
Question 3: What is the maximum posted speed limit on most Massachusetts interstate highways, including the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90)?
- 55 mph
- 60 mph
- 65 mph (Correct answer)
- 70 mph
Correct answer: 65 mph
Most Massachusetts interstates, including the Mass Pike (I-90), have a maximum speed limit of 65 mph.
Question 4: What does the 'basic speed law' in Massachusetts require of all drivers?
- Always drive at exactly the posted speed limit
- Drive at a speed that is safe for current road, traffic, and weather conditions (Correct answer)
- Drive at least 10 mph below the posted limit in bad weather
- Match the speed of surrounding traffic at all times
Correct answer: Drive at a speed that is safe for current road, traffic, and weather conditions
The basic speed law requires drivers to operate at a speed reasonable and safe for existing conditions, even if that means going below the posted limit.
Question 5: What is the typical speed limit on rural state highways in Massachusetts when no speed limit sign is posted?
- 40 mph
- 45 mph
- 50 mph
- 55 mph (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 55 mph
Rural state highways in Massachusetts typically carry a default speed limit of 55 mph when no other limit is posted.
Question 6: When approaching a school zone with flashing yellow lights in Massachusetts, what must a driver do?
- Maintain current speed and proceed carefully
- Slow down to 20 mph and watch for children (Correct answer)
- Stop completely and wait for lights to stop flashing
- Yield only if children are directly in the roadway
Correct answer: Slow down to 20 mph and watch for children
Flashing yellow lights indicate a school zone is active; drivers must reduce speed to 20 mph and remain alert for children.
Question 7: Under which circumstance is a driver allowed to legally exceed the posted speed limit in Massachusetts?
- When passing a slow-moving vehicle on the highway
- When running significantly behind schedule
- When an emergency vehicle behind you needs to pass
- Under no circumstances — posted limits are absolute maximums (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Under no circumstances — posted limits are absolute maximums
Massachusetts law does not permit exceeding posted speed limits for any ordinary reason; they represent the absolute maximum legal speed.
MA DMV Speed Limits and Speeding Violations 1
What is the default speed limit in a thickly settled or business district in Massachusetts when no speed limit sign is posted?