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Basic Speed Law

A free practice question for the California permit test, with the answer explained.

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Practice question · Speed and conditions

What does California's Basic Speed Law require?

The rule

California's Basic Speed Law means you may never go faster than is safe for current conditions, even when the posted limit is higher.

The Basic Speed Law says your speed must be safe for what is happening now. Traffic, weather, the road surface and people walking or biking can make a safe speed lower than the sign.

From the California Driver Handbook, section 8, page 67. This question is our own wording of that rule. The handbook and the DMV have the final word.

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