# What is the Speed Limit?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122
**Category:** The BBQ Pit
**Created:** [November 30, 2003, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122 "2003-11-30T21:57:11Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@Saint\_Zero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Zero)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/21 "2003-12-01T03:00:59Z")
Dear Idiot…
I’m sure you’ve heard it by now, but I’d bet even your state has a law against doing what you’re doing; driving in the passing lane. The passing lane is for people who want to pass dickheads like you. Quit being sanctimonius and pull to the right!
And if they do hit you, the police might just yell at you, you know.
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### Author:  [@GnominClature](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GnominClature)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/22 "2003-12-01T03:14:16Z")
If what you say is true, Saint Zero, then let us take down all the speed limit signs. There are no laws against driving the speed limit in the fast lane. If there are, prove me wrong. Until then, I would like your addresses, so you all can pay for my transgressions.
The police won’t say a thing to me except it is the other person’s fault for speeding and being impatient. It’s called: driving recklessly.
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### Author:  [@GnominClature](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GnominClature)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/23 "2003-12-01T03:31:55Z")
[Enjoy](http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/outreach/safesobr/15qp/web/pdf/fastlane.pdf)
My state isn’t listed. YaY.
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### Author:  [@Dread\_Pirate\_Danno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dread_Pirate_Danno)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/24 "2003-12-01T03:38:42Z")
I have no agenda either way. I do not desire to force the crazy speeders to slow down and smell the roses. Neither do I desire to make someone who wants to drive slow see the error of his ways.
I simply want to make it to work and home again alive.
IANAL, but from a legal standpoint, **GnominClature** , I would say that you are perfectly correct. I cannot imagine the police blaming the person going the speed limit for causing an accident. However, doing the legal thing is not always the right thing to do. I don’t know if you have a family or not, but _I_ do not want to have my wife have to explain to my kids why daddy is not coming home, no matter how right I was.
I am not on a crusade to do anything other than get home safely. That is what is important to me. I really don’t care how fast any of you want to go, just don’t kill me in the process.
My philosophy is to always assume the other drivers are going to do the dumbest thing you can possibly imagine and prepare for that. You would be amazed at how often you are right.
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### Author:  [@Saint\_Zero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Zero)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/25 "2003-12-01T03:43:41Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by GnominClature \*
> \*\*If what you say is true, Saint Zero, then let us take down all the speed limit signs. There are no laws against driving the speed limit in the fast lane. If there are, prove me wrong. Until then, I would like your addresses, so you all can pay for my transgressions. \*\*
Oh geez… you are that stupid. Let’s see if I can pound this into your last, remaing brain cell.
1. There are speed limits. In MS, for example, it’s 70 on the Interstate.
2.
> [@](#):
>
> SEC. 63-3-509. Minimum speed limits.
>
> (1) No motor vehicle shall be driven at a speed less than thirty miles per hour on federal designated highways where no hazard exists. An exception to this requirement shall be recognized when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation, or when a vehicle or combination of vehicles is necessarily, or in compliance with law or police direction, proceeding at a reduced speed
an addendum bumps that up to fourty (40) if the speed limit is bumped up to 70.
1. We’ve got a bracket of 40 and 70. Keep that in mind.
2.
> [@](#):
>
> SEC. 63-3-601. Vehicles to be driven on right half of roadway; exceptions:
> Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
> _1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement;_
> 2. When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair;
> 3. Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or
> 4. Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.
and I can toss in [this](http://www.mscode.com/free/statutes/63/003/0609.htm), or [this](http://www.mscode.com/free/statutes/63/003/0617.htm) as well to prove my point. Which is that in my state, and probably every other state they have rules against the crap you’re pulling. It’s against the law to “park it” in the left lane. The guy behind you flashing, has a right to be miffed.
\*\*
> [@](#):
>
> The police won’t say a thing to me except it is the other person’s fault for speeding and being impatient. It’s called: driving recklessly. \*\*
I think I’ve proven you’re full of shit on that little quote there. You’re the one being reckless.
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### Author:  [@Saint\_Zero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Zero)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/26 "2003-12-01T03:48:15Z")
Argle. Competing laws.
_bangs head_
Never mind. Just tell me what you drive, and I’ll be sure to avoid you, Okay? And I’ll stay out of your backward little state.
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### Author:  [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/27 "2003-12-01T04:03:55Z")
Gnomin, I’d love to try and prove you wrong, what state do you live in? Your nearly 6 year old cite states quite clearly to check with your state’s DMV.
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### Author:  [@Master\_Wang-Ka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Master_Wang-Ka)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/28 "2003-12-01T04:11:08Z")
Right or wrong, y’r still bein’ a jerk.
If the guy behind you wants to go faster than you’re going, get the hell over to the right. If you’re in the right lane already, to hell with him.
This is called “defensive driving.” It’s the thing they make you study as an alternative for paying speeding tickets.
…but if you’re hogging the left lane for no other reason than to be right while everyone else is wrong… then right or wrong, you’re being a jerk.
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### Author:  [@LilyoftheValley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilyoftheValley)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/29 "2003-12-01T04:13:03Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by GnominClature \*
> \*\*
> LilyoftheValley: I can’t read minds. I am truly sorry about your pet. I have pets myself, and I do understand their suffering. Your anger doesn’t need to be directed toward me, though. Also, do you happen to have any reference material for me to improve my incoherence? This is the Internet you know, it’s easy to misinterpret… \*\*
_(underlining mine)_
It seems we agree. My point was that **you can’t read minds** , but you appeared to be doing so in your OP. All that stuff about “Why don’t you leave 5 minutes earlier for work?”, etc. That is all I posted about.
My anger may not need to be directed towards you, but likewise, your anger (rant-worthy anger, I might add) need not be directed towards the people who drive at what seem _to you_ to be stupid speeds. We agree that you _can’t know_ why any given individual is speeding.
You state later in this thread that you don’t want to pay the health bills associated with the stress that speeders must be facing. Well, I’d argue that the very fact you are ranting about this means you are getting stressed about the situation. I used to get very angry at obnoxious drivers, but now I play a game with myself. In my mind, I make up a ridiculous situation as to why they might be in such a rush. I get less stressed because I don’t let them bother me, and I am safer because I don’t try to exact my own justice.
Darn you for being so nice about my pet in the pit. 😉 Therefore, I’ll try to be nice about what I said was “incoherence”. I just meant that you lost me on tangents and the conclusions you drew. For example, the stuff about success? Also, I don’t understand any of the “abstract”. That is all.
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### Author:  [@GnominClature](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GnominClature)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/30 "2003-12-01T04:18:13Z")
Saint Zero:
Hmmm… this is an example of the parallel I made in the OP. Here you are getting in a twist calling me names. You are very silly, but I would never call you stupid. Just look at the name calling that has happened in regards to this post: “Dick, Idiot, Asshole, Stupid” are to name a few. I’ve seen this behaviour on the road; I believe the term “Going Postal” would be appropriate for your actions here at SDMB. :rolleyes:
Another point would be that the majority of the states do not abide by that law, Saint Zero. The link I provided shows another side to the debate, so I have the right to be “miffed” and thus, legally compensated in my state. Is there research to support aggressive drivers cause less accidents? Or, am I correct in assuming that it’s the other way around? :smack:
Dread Pirate Danno:
I can appreciate being the survivor, DPD. I have been in that mindset for a long time. My life requires more than that, now. I need to appreciate what time I have while letting others know where they cannot encroach. Believe me when I say this, please. I, too, care for my family like you do.
Cheesesteak & Saint Zero: Yes, I read that as well. I made the complaint knowing I was in the right in my state (NC); otherwise, I wouldn’t have posted. Let’s not debate how backward your state is, Saint Zero. If you want to imbrue a stigma, you are further south than me.
Master Wang-Ka: Yes, but I am a correct jerk.
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### Author:  [@Master\_Wang-Ka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Master_Wang-Ka)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/31 "2003-12-01T04:28:19Z")
You are, then, maintaining that you are right to behave in this manner? To interfere with the behavior of those around you, solely on the basis that “the law is on your side,” regardless of circumstance, need, or emergency?
Perhaps I was too mild in my earlier observation.
Either that, or we should all go out and have emergency flashers and sirens installed in our cars, on the off chance we ever have an emergency when Your Lordship is using the road… and assuming you are willing to permit our circumstances to take precedence over your righteousness, that is…
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### Author:  [@GnominClature](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GnominClature)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/32 "2003-12-01T04:30:12Z")
LilyoftheValley: yes, I write in metaphor, so it can be confusing about a point I am trying to make. I want people to see how I react with my thought process(es) and thus leading to a question(s) for the audience.
Yes, my health is of concern to me. I find the best to deal with frustration is to write about it. That’s my primary reason for being here. I think I am more often misunderstood, but it helps me get out my frustrations. I don’t want to speed down the road or break an object. I suppose people sense the hidden charisma and turn on their respective defenses. It’s purely by accident. ☹
I appreciate the input on how you deal with obnoxious drivers. I’ve tried that myself. I hope you have found another pet to share your love with. 🙂
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### Author:  [@GnominClature](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GnominClature)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/33 "2003-12-01T04:39:41Z")
Master Wang-Ka: I am maintaining that speeders have that same mistaken godly perception. Carrying on only paints the picture which furthers my point. I tend to agree with DPD that you are probably speeding foolishly. Are you going to rationalize to a cop every time that you are speeding because it’s an emergency? Go get your sirens and flashers if it makes you feel better.
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### Author:  [@Rhum\_Runner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhum_Runner)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/34 "2003-12-01T05:15:08Z")
Despite my better judgment, I’ll jump in here with a response. (anyone else getting a distinct **Justhink** feeling here? Anyone?)
> [@](#):
>
> am obviously not oblivious to the traffic as I’m ranting about the stupidity of it. I’ll play the devil’s advocate here: show me an online resource where the DMV says I am supposed to merge into the slow lane if I’m going the speed limit and passing cars.
If, in truth, you are passing cars going under the limit (a rare thing most places when there isn’t congestion) then you’ll get no complaint from me _provided_ that you move over into the right lane when you are done passing. Then I will pass you, and then I will move into the right lane so that the other people who want to go even faster than I can pass me. See how simple this can work? If you are just sitting in the left lane you are being the worst kind of ass.
Incidently, despite your assertions about speed limits being all about safety, the truth is that they are more about raising money than anything else. Outside of an urban area there isn’t any reason to have a limit below 75 mph, the speed most people drive anyway. Come to Chicago some time and take a drive on 294 and you will find that the far left lane is often moving in the mid 80s, and even the trucks in the far right rummble at about 65. This with a posted speed limit of 55.
Incidently to the incidently, when merging onto a busy road, fucking accelerate! I have a feeling that you are probably one of those puds that comes off the merge ramp at 40 mph. Speed the fuck up man, you are a hazzard.
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### Author:  [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/35 "2003-12-01T07:21:41Z")
First of all, GC, you \*\* are \*\* an aggressive driver - just as aggressive as that guy on your tail flashing his lights. Is it really restful for people to be on your tail? Does it make you feel relaxed for people to be passing you on the right?
You are also contributing to traffic congestion, causing people to burn gas unnecessarily, and adding to pollution. A lot of times when I see a clump of cars on the freeway, the cause is some idiot driving slower than the flow of traffic on the left.
I don’t believe your scenario of everyone in the right lanes going below the limit. The only time in 35 years I’ve seen this is when there is heavy traffic (in which case you are being blocked) or if the weather conditions are bad (in which case you should be going slower and not doing anything to cause others to change lanes without reason.) I drive with traffic, usually over the speed limit, and my last and only speeding ticket was 32 years ago. So, don’t give us any crap about insurance. I don’t know where you are driving, but I saw a NJ state trooper pull over someone pulling the stunt you’re pulling.
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### Author:  [@Waverly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waverly)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/36 "2003-12-01T10:55:27Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by GnominClature \*
> Waverly: The link is provided to express the parallel to the Information Superhighway as well. I find those same attitudes exist on the road as well as they do online. I thought it was a nifty metaphor. 🙂
I think the word you are looking for is _non sequitur_.
You did not answer my second question. Let us agree that you have legal right to slow down the flow of traffic in the passing lane. Now… why do so?
You do seem to get a fair number of replies for a poorly thought out and often incoherent OP. Just noticing, is all.
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### Author:  [@Sublight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sublight)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/37 "2003-12-01T11:33:47Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by GnominClature \*
> \*\*My state isn’t listed. YaY. \*\*
Confusion, obliviousness or denial?
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### Author:  [@Algorithm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algorithm)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/38 "2003-12-01T11:55:05Z")
You, sir, are an asshole. Get out of the left lane unless you are actively passing. That means, when that person flew by you in the “slow” lane, you were the one in the wrong.
If you want to enforce the law, become a cop. Until then, let the cops sort out the speeders.
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### Author:  [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/39 "2003-12-01T11:55:49Z")
Wilfully preventing other drivers from exceeding the posted speed limit is the job of the police, not the public; failing to merge after overtaking, hogging the passing lane, even if you are driving at exactly the legal limit, is still (in most places) a violation of traffic codes and an unnecessary one. Deliberately obstructing someone, even if they are atttempting to exceed the speed limit, is just saying “it’s OK for me to break the law my way, but it isn’t OK for you to break the law your way”.
Plus, as **Magayuk** says - you don’t know the reason why people are trying to exceed the speed limit, sure; the vast majority of them don’t have a good reason, but a few of them may be in a hurry because of some kind of genuine emergency.
Actually, this happened to me - I always try to observe the posted speed limit, even the really uncomfortable 30mph in built-up areas. When my wife went into labour with my son (who is now 5), things progressed very quickly and I was in a big hurry to get her to the maternity hospital - it was late at night and there wasn’t much traffic about, but there was one complete wanker who, on noticing my attempt to overtake (even though it would have been quite safe to do so), moved his car into the centre of the road (straddling the dotted line separating the two lanes normally reserved for traffic flow in opposing directions), making it impossible to pass, then slowed down to a crawl for quite a long stretch of road. My attempts to impress the urgency of the situation upon him only served to make him slow down even more.
I’d estimate that he added at least ten minutes to our journey and when we got to the hospital, my wife had great difficulty in getting out of the car as she was by then fully dilated.
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### Author:  [@Master\_Wang-Ka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Master_Wang-Ka)
#### Post date: [December 1, 2003, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-speed-limit/216122/40 "2003-12-01T12:30:01Z")
DNFTT.
Gone.
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