Traffic Circle Speed Limits
 

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

Per Ai below. Having said that have you ever wondered why there is always that semi truck that overturns on a curve with a suggested yellow speed sign all around the curve?
“A yellow speed limit sign indicates an advisory speed, meaning it's a suggested safe speed for a specific condition, not a legally enforceable speed limit. These signs are typically used to warn drivers of hazards like curves, construction zones, or areas with reduced visibility. While not a legal requirement, exceeding the advisory speed and causing an accident could lead to liability for the driver.”

The speed limit sign is standard black and white. The yellow sign is a warning that the circle is ahead.

The question is whether the combination indicates the speed limit is 20mph only within the circle or whether it becomes 20mph at the sign? I haven’t really worried about it.

Who cares??? You are merely asking how quickly or how far in advance one must slow down. I doubt anyone is going 35 right up to the point of entering the RB anyway.

I wonder if the rain will stop by 7PM:duck:

Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions


This kind of addresses this .

If not the limit should be around 10 mph.

Happens often. Yesterday, nearing a RB in right lane at 35, a car sped around me at high (45-50?), cut in front of me in the right lane. No sign of slowing, braking pushing in ahead of car coming around. He went straight ahead into the center lane, then cut back to the right lane to exit. Basically "straighten out the curve" of the traffic circle. These are community streets and roads, not race courses.
One incident I know, but we see idiots behind the wheel every time we go out. Can't wait for ai/robot chauffeur where every cyberdriver has the same safe view of every situation.

If you drive the traffic circles at 10 mph then you are part of the problem not part of the solution. I try to get in and out of a roundabout as quickly as possible driving as close to 20 mph as possible. Also , all the turn signals being used improperly in the traffic circles is overwhelming. If you are in the proper lane for your exit there is no need for the use of blinkers. If you trust someone’s turn signal in a roundabout you’re rolling the dice!

Having been a deputy sheriff, I can say that, in Arkansas at least (where I was a LEO), the speed limit is in effect at the sign. I've known other LEOs who were sticklers for this (running up their ticket score) and others who were a lot more lenient and let you coast down to the limit once you passed the sign as long as it was safe.

Traffic circles have speed limits? I’m a whole lot more worried about those that change lanes while IN the circle. Twice recently other cars not staying in their lane and trying to take me out while in the circle. Meaning, them changing lanes while in the circle. A clear violation, where is Popo when you need them?

I believe the 20mph is for the roundabout, because there is no speed limit sign when exiting the roundabout indicating that you can resume 35mph.

According to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which has been adopted by all 50 states, speed limit signs are to be rectangular in shape, with black markings on a white background. These are the only "speed limit" signs that are enforceable. Any other sign relating to speed, yellow for example, are advisory only and cannot be enforced as a violation.

How about 5?? How about 2???? How about you have to get out of your car and push it around the RB????? :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

No surprise. Remember, whatever rule you make, reasonable or ridiculous, or sign that is put up, there will always be idiots doing something stupid