speed limit
/spiːd ˈlɪmɪt/
Meaning
The 'speed limit' is the maximum legal speed at which you are allowed to drive a vehicle on a specific road. It is usually posted on road signs and varies depending on whether you are in a residential area, city, or highway. Keeping to the limit is essential for safety and avoiding traffic tickets.
Examples
-
The speed limit on this highway is 70 miles per hour.
The speed limit on this highway is 70 miles per hour.
-
You should slow down; the speed limit drops to 30 in this school zone.
You should slow down; the speed limit drops to 30 in this school zone.
-
He got a heavy fine for driving way over the speed limit.
He got a heavy fine for driving way over the speed limit.
-
I always use cruise control to make sure I don't exceed the speed limit.
I always use cruise control to make sure I don't exceed the speed limit.
-
What is the national speed limit for cars on rural roads here?
What is the national speed limit for cars on rural roads here?
Common Mistakes
-
✗ You are driving over the speed limitation.
✓ You are driving over the speed limit.
'Limitation' refers to a general restriction or weakness. The legal maximum speed for driving is always called the 'speed limit'.
-
✗ The police stopped him because he crossed the speed limit.
✓ The police stopped him because he went over the speed limit.
We say 'go over', 'exceed', or 'break' the speed limit, not 'cross' it.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
Be careful, the ___ in this residential area is only 25 miles per hour.
💡 The maximum legal speed.
Show answer
speed limit
-
If you exceed the ___, you might get caught by a speed camera.
💡 The legal driving speed threshold.
Show answer
speed limit