In every state, a traffic ticket can be issued to drivers who violate laws restricting the speed at which a vehicle may travel. Generally, states carry two types of laws related to speed restrictions:

1. Laws that set specific maximum speed limits in certain settings. For example, a state may declare different maximum speeds at which a vehicle may be operated on a state highway (65 m.p.h.), on a residential street (35 m.p.h.), and in a school zone (25 m.p.h.).

2. Laws that require drivers to operate their vehicles at a speed that is reasonable under the circumstances. For example, even if the posted maximum speed limit on a rural highway is 65 m.p.h., driving on that highway at 65 m.p.h. in a torrential rainstorm at night could result in a speeding ticket, because driving at such a speed could be deemed unsafe based on the hazardous road and weather conditions.

• When Speeding Isn't Speeding
• Speeding: Laws in All 50 States