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Connecticut, the legislature has established a statewide maximum speed limit of 65 mph.

The function of speed limits is often misunderstood by the public. This confusion leads to typical questions that include:

What are speed limits?
What purpose do they serve?
How are speed limits set?
What do the different speed limit signs mean?
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), Division of Traffic Engineering and the State Traffic Commission (STC) have produced this brochure to answer these and other questions about speed limits.

All speed limits on public roads, whether owned by the state or town, must be approved by the STC.

WHY ARE SPEED LIMITS ESTABLISHED?
 

Speed limits are established to move traffic in a uniform and safe manner. In Connecticut, the State Traffic Commission, in conjunction with the Legal Traffic Authorities (LTA) of the individual towns, establishes speed limits for all public roads. In Connecticut, the legislature has established a statewide maximum speed limit of 65 mph.

Speed limits on our state highways are established for ideal driving conditions and must be approved by the STC. During inclement weather, motorists should adjust their operating speeds accordingly. In addition, no motorist should operate a motor vehicle at a rate of speed or in such a manner as to endanger the lives of vehicle occupants or any other person. Any infringement of these common sense practices shall be considered a violation (Connecticut State Statutes 14-218a Traveling Unreasonably Fast; 14-219 Speeding and 14-222 Reckless Driving).

The State Traffic Commission, in cooperation with town officials, also establishes speed limits on locally maintained roads. However, speed limits are not normally established on unimproved, dirt or gravel roads because of variations in seasonal roadway surfaces. Roads of insufficient length (usually 500' or less) do not warrant or need a speed limit.
 
HOW DOES CONN/DOT DETERMINE THE REGULATORY SPEED LIMITS?

The STC sets regulatory speed limits on state and local roads based on an engineering investigation by the Division of Traffic Engineering. Principal factors considered are:

road type and surface (curve, hill, etc.)
location and type of access points (intersections, entrances, etc.)
existing traffic control devices (signs, signals, etc.)
accident history
traffic volume
sight distances
test drive results
radar observations
 

Radar speed observations are an important part of the traffic investigation. When choosing a speed, drivers take many roadway environment factors into consideration. Therefore, the speed that the majority of people consider prudent is an important value. Data is collected by performing radar checks at selected locations on the roadway under ideal driving conditions. A technical analysis is done on the results to determine the 85th percentile speed. This is the value indicating the speed under which most (85%) drivers are travelling. Experience has shown that a posted speed limit near this value is the safe and reasonable speed. However, there are exceptions (high accident frequency, volumes, etc.).

Engineering judgement is a very important tool. The traffic investigator must use knowledge of nationally accepted principles combined with experience to assign the safe speed.
 

If you or your loved one have been in an accident that involved a serious injury, know your legal rights by contacting the nearest Accident Attorney.

Contact an Accident Attorney Now!