What is the speed limit in a residential area or school area?

The appropriate speed limit in a residential area or school zone is typically set at 25 mph. This limit is established to enhance the safety of pedestrians, especially children, who may be walking to and from school or playing in the neighborhood.

Residential areas often have a higher density of pedestrians, bicycles, and parked cars, which can increase the likelihood of accidents if drivers are traveling too fast. By enforcing a speed limit of 25 mph, it allows drivers ample time to react to unforeseen circumstances, such as a child unexpectedly crossing the street.

In school zones, there is often a heightened awareness of the surrounding environment due to children potentially entering or exiting vehicles, crossing streets, or playing nearby. Consequently, a 25 mph limit provides a reasonable balance between maintaining traffic flow while ensuring the safety of these vulnerable road users.