Final answer:
The proper speed limit is determined by road conditions and circumstances rather than just the posted speed limit. Police have discretion in enforcing speed limits based on safety in current conditions, which may lead to legal consequences for driving too fast even if under the statutory speed limit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper speed limit is determined by road conditions and circumstances, not only by the speed limit sign. You may be arrested for driving too fast for conditions even if you are not exceeding the posted speed limit. This concept is sometimes referred to as the de facto speed limit, which is the speed at which the police are likely to pull you over.
The de jure speed limit might be listed as 55 miles per hour, but the enforcement may allow for travel up to 65 miles per hour before issuing tickets. This difference highlights the importance of understanding both the official regulations and the informal enforcement practices, such as those where a traffic signal necessitates slowing down regardless of a vehicle's prior speed.
It's also crucial to consider that police may have discretion to determine what is considered too fast based on the driving conditions. For example, during bad weather, near a school zone, or in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, driving at the speed limit might still be too fast if conditions are such that it compromises safety. In such cases, driving under the speed limit may be necessary to ensure safety and avoid legal consequences.