[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Gil Chapin

Perhaps this has been covered (probably many times), but I didn't find it.

As one approaches most traffic circles, there is usually a traffic sign with a yellow diamond containing a traffic circle indicator above a typical speed limit sign, indicating a speed limit of 20 miles per hour.

It seems that most people loosely interpret those signs to mean the speed limit within the traffic circle is 20 mph.

Another interpretation might be that the speed limit sign is indeed a "normal" speed limit sign. By normal, I mean that it indicates the start of a new speed limit. In this case, the speed limit changes at the sign from 35 mph to 20 mph. That means that once the sign is passed the speed limit is immediately 20 mph, not only within the traffic circle, but also on the approach to the traffic circle at any point past the sign. That further implies that one must be doing no more than 20 mph when the speed limit sign is passed until another speed limit sign changes the speed limit again.

My observations suggest that no one, except me, has ever considered the latter interpretation, and many drivers barely make it into the 20s as they enter the traffic circle, with others never slowing down at all.

I realize this is a question for law enforcement, but I'm curious whether anyone else has wondered about this.

Gil Chapin

No, my interpretation slow down approaching roundabout, 20 MPH maximum in roundabout, and resume speed limit after roundabout unless otherwise posted.