Editing Speed limit (section)

== Signage ==
[[File:Speed sign stack.jpg|thumb|A stack of rectangular speed limit signs in the United States]]
[[File:Zeichen 393 - Informationstafel an Grenzübergängen, StVO 1981 und 1992.svg|thumb|upright|German border crossing sign showing {{cvt|50|kph}} limit in built-up areas, {{cvt|100|kph}} in rural areas, but a legal '''[[Advisory speed limit|advisory]] {{cvt|130|kph}} limit''' for the [[Autobahn]] (motorway), increasing [[Legal liability|liability]] in the case of an accident from driving faster<ref>{{cite web|language=de|url=http://www.transportrecht.de/transportrecht_content/1084451547.pdf|title=Autobahnrichtgeschwindigkeitsverordnung|publisher=[[German Federal Government]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929222609/http://www.transportrecht.de/transportrecht_content/1084451547.pdf|archive-date=2007-09-29|url-status=live|access-date=2007-10-28}}</ref>]] Most countries worldwide measure speed limits in [[kilometres per hour]], while the [[Road speed limits in the United Kingdom|United Kingdom]], [[Speed limits in the United States|United States]], and several smaller countries measure speed limits in [[miles per hour]] instead. Signs in [[Samoa]] display both units simultaneously.

There are two basic designs for speed limit signs: the [[Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals]] specifies a white or yellow circle with a red border, while the ''[[Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices]]'' (MUTCD) published by the United States [[Federal Highway Administration]] specifies a white rectangle with the legend ''SPEED LIMIT''. Vienna-style speed limit signs originated in Europe and are used in most of the world, including many countries that otherwise follow the MUTCD. Variations on the MUTCD design are used in [[Canada]], [[Guam]], [[Liberia]], [[Puerto Rico]],<ref>{{cite book|title=Manual de Señales de Tránsito para las Vías Públicas de Puerto Rico|publisher=[[Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works]]|date=1979|page=5|url=http://www.dtop.gov.pr/fotos/transito/senalesdetransito.pdf#page=6|format=PDF|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707044042/http://www.dtop.gov.pr/fotos/transito/senalesdetransito.pdf#page=6|archive-date=2019-07-07}}</ref> the mainland United States, the [[United States Virgin Islands|U.S. Virgin Islands]]. Australia also used a variation on the MUTCD design until the country metricated in 1974. The [[Central American Integration System]] (SICA) equivalent to the US MUTCD, specifies a variation on the MUTCD design as an option, though not widely used.<ref>{{cite web|author-link=Central American Integration System|date=2000-01-01|title=Catálogo de Señales Manual SIECA 2000|url=https://sjnavarro.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/manual-centroamericano-de-dispositivos-de-control-del-transito.pdf|website=Catálogo de Señales Manual SIECA 2000}}</ref>

In the United States, Canada, Australia and Peru, speed limit signs are rectangular. In most of the United States, speed limit signs bear the words ''SPEED LIMIT'' above the numeric speed limit, as specified in the MUTCD. However, in [[Alaska]] and [[California]], speed limits are often labeled ''MAXIMUM SPEED'' instead. In Oregon, most speed limit signs are simply labeled ''SPEED''. Canada has similar signs bearing the legend ''MAXIMUM'', which has a similar meaning in [[English language|English]] and [[French language|French]], the country's two main languages. [[Peru]] uses a similar, reversed variation of the MUTCD order in which the words ''VELOCIDAD MAXIMA'' (speed limit) are placed below the numeric limit. [[Australia]] uses the same rectangular design, but inscribes the numeric speed limit within a red circle as in Vienna Convention signs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/transport_network/traffic_ops/road_signs.asp|title=Traffic Operations : Road Signs|date=2002-08-23|publisher=[[Government of South Australia]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090702210520/http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/transport_network/traffic_ops/road_signs.asp|archive-date=2009-07-02|access-date=2010-09-26|quote=Most regulatory signs are rectangular with a black legend on a white background...[exceptions include] speed restriction signs (symbol enclosed in a red circle)"}}</ref> The MUTCD formerly specified an optional metric design that included the words ''SPEED LIMIT'' and the numeric limit inscribed within a black circle, though it was rarely used in the United States;<ref>{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions - General Questions on the MUTCD|work=Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices|publisher=[[United States Department of Transportation]]|date=2017-03-08|access-date=2019-11-22|url=https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/knowledge/faqs/faq_general.htm#genq5}}</ref> this design is still occasionally found in Liberia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Image by mkanyala|work=Mapillary|date=2017-09-11|access-date=2019-04-21|url=https://www.mapillary.com/map/im/0z03JxfeqLhNyoNQkCS3Aw}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Image by mkanyala|work=Mapillary|date=2017-09-11|access-date=2019-04-21|url=https://www.mapillary.com/map/im/SDxlSc95Q5yyGY_SaHiIGg}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Image by mkanyala|work=Mapillary|date=2017-09-11|access-date=2019-04-21|url=https://www.mapillary.com/map/im/q5-Kh0S1jSH-khLm28tFeg}}</ref> Speed limit signs of [[Mexico]] and [[Panama]] are square, unlike the United States.

In the [[European Union]], large signposts showing the national (maximum) speed limits of the respective country are usually erected immediately after [[border control|border crossing]]s, with a repeater sign some {{cvt|200|to|500|m}} after the first. Some places provide an additional "speed zone ahead" ahead of the restriction, and speed limit reminder signs may appear at regular intervals, which may be painted on the road surface.<ref>{{cite web|title=Information about the Speed Limit in force|url=https://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/specialist/knowledge/speed/speed_limits/information_about_the_speed_limit_in_force_en|website=European Commission|publisher=EU Mobility and Transport|access-date=2020-01-28|date=2016-10-17}}</ref>

In [[Ontario]], the type, location, and frequency of speed limit signs are covered by regulation 615 of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.<ref>{{cite web|title=Regulation 615 of the H.T.A.|url=http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900615_e.htm|website=E-laws Government Website|date=2014-07-24|access-date=2015-03-28}}</ref>

=== Maximum speed limit ===
[[File:Zeichen 274-60 - Zulässige Höchstgeschwindigkeit, StVO 2017.svg|thumb|upright|Speed limit sign in [[Germany]], showing a 60 km/h restriction in [[DIN 1451]] font. Signs in other European countries are similar but make use of different fonts and sizes.]][[File:Lépron-les-Vallées (Ardennes) city limit sign.JPG|thumb|In France towns and city signs imply the speed limit of an urban road, by application of the Vienna Convention. For this reason the 50 sign on the picture is just a ''rappel'' (continuance of an existing speed limit).]]
<gallery>
File:Hungary road sign C-033-50.svg|Speed limit sign for 50&nbsp;km/h ([[Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals|Vienna Convention]] Sign C14, most of the world follows this pattern)
File:UK traffic sign 670V50.svg|UK sign for 50 [[miles per hour|mph]]
File:Australia road sign R4-1 (50).svg|Standard speed limit sign used in [[Australia]] showing 50 [[Kilometres per hour|km/h]] (all speed limit signs are rectangular)
File:Sweden road sign C31-5.svg|Alternative Vienna Convention sign with an amber background used in few countries, such as Sweden, Finland and Iceland
File:IE road sign RUS-043.svg|[[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] includes the text "km/h" since going metric in 2005
File:Indonesia New Road Sign Pro 4h.png|Indonesia (in km/h) includes the text "km" on the top right corner; this model was also used by a number of European countries such as Germany, Italy and [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MFG_Signale_S.4.jpg Switzerland] until the 1960s.
File:Japan road sign 323 (50).svg|[[Japan]] uses blue numerals; km/h
File:China road sign 禁 38 (40).svg|China (Mainland); km/h
File:Samoa - Speed Limit.svg|[[Samoa]] uses both [[miles per hour]] and [[kilometres per hour]]
File:UAE Speed Limit - 60 kmh.svg|The [[United Arab Emirates]] and [[Saudi Arabia]] (km/h) use both [[Arabic numerals|Western Arabic]] and [[Eastern Arabic numerals|Eastern Arabic]] numerals
File:CA-ON road sign Rb-001-060.svg|[[Canada]] (displayed in km/h; All speed limit signs are [[Comparison of MUTCD-influenced traffic signs|MUTCD]] style)
File:Ontario Rb-1A.svg|Canada ([[Ontario]])
File:British Columbia R-004-50.svg|Canada ([[Yukon]] and [[British Columbia]])
File:MUTCD R2-1.svg|[[United States]] (in mph)
File:Oregon-speed.svg|United States ([[Oregon]] variant)
File:NYSDOT NYR2-2.svg|United States ([[New York (state)|New York]] variant; "CITY", "VILLAGE", "TOWN", or a variant of the word "AREA" can be used in place of "STATE")<ref>{{cite web|author=[[New York State Department of Transportation]]|title=New York State Supplement to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways|url=https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/oom/transportation-systems/repository/B-2011Supplement-adopted.pdf|year=2011|at=Section 2B.13|quote=The NYR2-4, NYR2-5, and NYR2-6 signs...shall be used for posting area speed limits which are essentially city-wide, village-wide, and town-wide, respectively.... The word 'AREA' in the NYR2-3 sign may be replaced by other generic legend (for example, 'CAMPUS', 'PLAZA', 'MALL', 'PARK', etc.) where it would more clearly and appropriately identify a physically defined area.}}</ref><br />
File:MUTCD R2-1 METRIC.svg|United States (metric)
File:Peru road sign R-30.svg|Peru (metric, all speed limit signs are rectangular, and the reversed MUTCD order is used there)
</gallery>

Some speed limits are applicable to a zone.
<gallery>
File:Zeichen 274.1 - Beginn einer Tempo 30-Zone, StVO 2013.svg|Zone 30 entry in Germany with 30&nbsp;km/h speed limit
File:Zeichen 274.2 - Ende einer Tempo 30-Zone (einseitig), StVO 2013.svg|Zone 30 end in Germany
File:Signal B30.svg|Zone 30 entry in France with 30&nbsp;km/h speed limit
File:France road sign B51 (30).svg|Zone 30 end in France
</gallery>

=== Minimum speed limit ===
Minimum speed limits are often expressed with signs using blue circles, based on the obligatory sign specifications of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. In the United States, minimum speed limit signs are identical to their respective maximum speed limit signs, with ''SPEED LIMIT'' replaced with ''MINIMUM SPEED''.{{Citation needed|date=June 2019}} Some South American countries (e.g.: Argentina) use a red border.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}} Japan<ref>{{cite web|date=2018-02-13|title=Driving in Japan - essential info if you plan to drive in Japan (2018)|url=https://www.kyushujourneys.com/japan/driving-in-japan/|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Kyushu Journeys}}</ref> and South Korea{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}} use their normal speed limit sign, with a line below the limit. 
<gallery>
File:Zeichen 275 - Vorgeschriebene Mindestgeschwindigkeit, StVO 1992.svg|Common minimum speed limit sign
File:UAE Minimum Speed Limit - 60 kmh.svg|The [[United Arab Emirates]] and [[Saudi Arabia]] (km/h) use both [[Arabic numerals|Western Arabic]] and [[Eastern Arabic numerals|Eastern Arabic]] numerals
File:Argentina road sign R16.svg|[[Argentina]], km/h
File:Québec P-070-1-60.svg|[[Canada]], km/h (rare outside the province of [[Quebec]])
File:Chile road sign RR-2 (40).svg|[[Chile]]; km/h
File:China road sign 示 16(60).svg|China (Mainland); km/h
File:Colombia road sign SR-30A.svg|[[Colombia]]; km/h
File:Indonesia New Road Sign Mndtry 44.png|[[Indonesia]] (includes the text "km" on the top right corner); km/h
File:Japan road sign 324 (30).svg|[[Japan]]; km/h
File:Philippines road sign R4-3 (40).svg|[[Philippines]]; km/h
File:KR road sign 225-30.svg|[[South Korea]] (which looks similar to this sign from [[Japan]] except the numerals are black); km/h
File:UK traffic sign 672.svg|UK minimum speed limit sign, in mph
File:MUTCD R2-4.svg|[[United States]]; mph
File:MUTCD R2-4a.svg|United States (dual maximum and minimum speeds)
File:MUTCD R2-4 METRIC.svg|United States (metric)
File:MUTCD R2-4a METRIC.svg|United States (metric, dual maximum and minimum speeds)
</gallery>

=== Special speed limits ===
In some countries, speed limits may apply to certain classes of vehicles or special conditions such as night-time. Usually, these speed limits will be reduced from the normal limit for safety reasons. 
<gallery>
File:Au.speedlimit.40 at times.svg|[[Australia]] – Speed limit during certain times
File:AU-QLD road sign R4-Q05.svg|Australia – Road Train speed limit
File:New Zealand RG-3.svg|New Zealand – Limited Speed Zone (Maximum speed limit is {{cvt|100|kph}}, reduces to {{cvt|50|kph}} if dangerous conditions exist such as bad weather)
File:RO road sign C30d.svg|[[Romania]] – Car and truck speed limit
File:MUTCD Sign Assembly - R2-1 with G20-5aP.svg|[[United States]] – Roadworks zone speed limit
File:MUTCD R2-2.svg|United States – Trucks speed limit
File:Virginia R2-VP1.svg|United States – Towed vehicles speed limit
File:MUTCD R2-3.svg|United States – Night time speed limit
File:MUTCD EM2-3.svg|Unique speed limit sign in the United States on [[Emergency evacuation|evacuation routes]] requiring drivers to maintain the maximum safe speed
</gallery>

=== Speed limit derestriction ===
[[File:D984 03 - Fin de limitation à 30 km par heure.jpg|thumb|End of 30 km/h speed limit; previous speed limit applies.]]
[[File:UK national speed limit signs on a single-carriageway.jpg|thumb|The UK national speed limit of {{convert|60|mph}} for ordinary vehicles applies beyond this sign.]]
In some countries, derestriction signs are used to mark where a speed zone ends. The speed limit beyond the sign is the prevailing limit for the general area; for example, the sign might be used to show the end of an urban area. In the United Kingdom, the sign means that the national speed limit applies ({{cvt|60|mph}} on open roads and {{cvt|70|mph}} on dual carriageways and motorways). In New Zealand it means you are on an open road, but the maximum legal speed of {{cvt|100|kph}} still applies.<ref>{{cite web|title=About limits - Speed limits|url=http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/about-limits/speed-limits.html|work=The official New Zealand Road Code|publisher=New Zealand Transport Agency|access-date=2012-08-08|quote=Open road speed limits - The signs below mean that the maximum speed that you can travel at is 100 km/h.}}</ref> On roads without general speed limits, such as portions of the German [[Autobahn]] and rural areas on the [[Isle of Man]], it means the end of all quantitative speed limits.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-05-30 |title=Safer Isle of Man roads depend on difficult decisions, says forum |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-61634678 |access-date=2025-02-09 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Spain traffic signal r501.svg|Common ''maximum speed limit'' derestriction sign
File:Italian traffic signs - fine limite minimo di velocità 30.svg|Common ''minimum speed limit'' derestriction sign
File:Italian traffic signs - fine velocità consigliata 60.svg|Common ''advisory speed limit'' derestriction sign
File:Australia road sign R4-2.svg|[[Australia]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Rule 21|work=Australian Road Rules|url=http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/lz/c/r/australian%20road%20rules/current/1999.219.un.pdf|date=2011-01-12|access-date=2012-08-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505041544/http://legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/R/AUSTRALIAN%20ROAD%20RULES/CURRENT/1999.219.UN.PDF|archive-date=2012-05-05}}</ref> now relatively rare
File:Australia road signs R4-12 (60).svg|Australia
File:NZ road sign R1-3.svg|[[Belgium]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] pre-2005, [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]], [[Malaysia]] and [[Switzerland]]
File:China road sign 禁 39 (40).svg|China(Mainland)
File:Zeichen 282 - Ende sämtlicher Streckenverbote, StVO 1970.svg|[[Germany]]
File:Japan road sign 323 (40) and 507-C.svg|[[Japan]]
File:Japan road sign 323 (40) and 507-A.svg|Japan – Left arrow (Right arrow means "from here")
File:Philippines road sign R4-2.svg|[[Philippines]]
File:Philippines road sign R4-2P (60).svg|Philippines
File:NYSDOT NYR2-11.svg|End speed limit 35&nbsp;mph [[United States]]
File:Virginia R2-V2.svg|End speed limit (custom) United States (archaic)
</gallery>

===Advisory speed limit===
{{Further|Advisory speed limit}}
[[File:Geschwindigkeitssignal.jpg|thumb|upright=0.65|Traffic signals showing an advisory speed limit]]
Advisory speed limits may provide a safe suggested speed in an area, or warn of the maximum safe speed for dangerous curves.{{Citation needed|date=June 2019}}

In Germany, an advisory speed limit may be combined with a [[Traffic light|traffic signal]] to recommend the speed at which drivers should drive to reach the next light at its green phase, thereby avoiding a stop.<ref>{{cite book|author=((Forschungsgesellschaft für Straßen- und Verkehrswesen))|title=Begriffsbestimmungen, Teil: Verkehrsplanung, Straßenentwurf und Straßenbetrieb|publisher=FGSV Verlag|year=2000|pages=81}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|author=Andreas Richter|title=Geschwindigkeitsvorgabe an Lichtsignalanlagen|publisher=DUV|year=2005|isbn=3-8244-0828-7|pages=33–34}}</ref>