how fast over the speed limit is it proper to drive? (Reston: neighborhood, school)

[brooklynborndad]

When I drive at the speed limit, I find people tending to pass me. Where thats not possible they tail gate. Note I am discussing local arterials and similar roads NOT the left lanes of interstates.


I am curious as we have in the past discussed cyclist scofflaws, and I try on the bike to be a PAL - predictable, alert, and lawful (since, among other reasons, I do not want to provide ammo to those would discourage cycling based on some cyclists breaking the law). Driving its not always clear. It seems from the behavior of my fellow motorists that the speed limit is not a law, but a suggestion - and that socially acceptable behavior is to exceed it, at least when the weather is decent. I'm not sure if I should be exceeding it by 5MPH, 10 MPH, or by more though. I'm thinking that its 10 MPH, but only 5 MPH over if you are texting, and 15MPH is acceptable if you are late.

[spencgr]

The correct answer is - as fast as the people behind you want you to go. If you don't want to go that fast, pull over and let them pass.

(Obviously, the legal answer is zero miles over the speed limit, but you seemed to indicate that you weren't looking to pi$$ people off.)

[boyd888]

Legally it is zero, but the flow of traffic tends to move at a pace 5-10 mph over the posted limit.

[po-boy]

I'd say about 5 mph over. At that rate of speed you are not likely to get a ticket, but you shouldn't upset people behind you. If they are mad about being behind you while you are actually exceeding the speed limit that is their problem, not yours.

[Jon_In_NOVA]

Patiently waiting for BigFoot to chime in here! =)

[Flamingo13]

I always heard that 9 and below you were good - could be an old wive's tale/legend, whatever, but some counties (Hanover...) I wouldn't try it.

[spleuchan]

Originally Posted by Flamingo13

I always heard that 9 and below you were good - could be an old wive's tale/legend, whatever, but some counties (Hanover...) I wouldn't try it.

It really depends on where you are driving and what the speed limit is. Driving 9 over on a residential road with a 25 mph speed limit will likely get you a ticket if a cop sees you. On the other hand, you'll get passed by cops if you are on the beltway going 9 over.

[StandBack-DoorsClosing]

I like to go in short jerky motions, alternating between 20mph below and 20mph above the speed limit in quick succession. This confuses the cops so they don't even bother trying to deal with me. It has also honed my reflexes to a razor-sharp edge.

[newgatedenizen]

I'd also recommend +5-10 range depending on the circumstances. If it's a residential neighborhood and commuters are using it as a short-cut it's +5. Nothing is more annoying than seeing commuter traffic at +15 on a residential street. And if it's a school zone; sorry, I drive the speed limit.

[Moorhen3]

I try to drive at the speed limit as much as possible and try to really be alert for any cops up ahead. But if someone is tail-gating me because I am following the law (i.e. the speed limit) then it is their problem in my opinion. I will not get a ticket just because someone is pushing me to go faster-past the speed limit. In Herndon, for example, there are stretches of road where the speed limit is like 25 or 30 or something really low like that. Since there are two lanes, if someone wants to go past the speed limit and are frustrated that I am following the rules, then they can easily change lanes and THEY can get the ticket if they want. We stayed in the Residence Inn Herndon/Reston on Elden St and there usually was a cop there at the parking lot on the lookout for people who were speeding past the 30 or 35 mph limit. He had a really good spot too because the trees kinda gave him some cover.