Massachusetts Permit Test: Speed Limits Practice Questions

Correct answer: 20 mph

Unless posted otherwise, driving faster than 20 mph in a school zone is not reasonable and proper. School zone limits may be shown with flashing lights or posted hours.

Source: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road – Speed Limits

Correct answer: 30 mph

The default limit in a thickly settled or business district is 30 mph, unless signs show a 25 mph limit (some communities have adopted 25 mph).

Source: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road – Speed Limits

Correct answer: 40 mph

Outside a thickly settled or business district, speeds over 40 mph are not considered reasonable and proper unless a different limit is posted.

Source: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road – Speed Limits

Correct answer: 50 mph

On a highway outside a thickly settled or business district, the default limit is 50 mph unless a different limit is posted.

Source: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road – Speed Limits

Correct answer: Buildings under 200 feet apart for 1/4 mile or more

A thickly settled district is an area where buildings are fewer than 200 feet apart for a distance of at least 1/4 mile.

Source: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road – Speed Limits

Correct answer: Yes; speed must be safe for conditions

Massachusetts' basic speed law says you must never drive faster than is safe. Posted limits assume ideal conditions, so 40 mph in a heavy storm can still earn a ticket.

Source: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road – Speed Limits

Correct answer: 40 mph

The Massachusetts Turnpike has a minimum speed of 40 mph. The Boston Harbor tunnels (Callahan, Sumner and Ted Williams) have a 20 mph minimum.

Source: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road – Speed Limits

Correct answer: 20 mph

There is a 20 mph minimum speed in the Boston Harbor tunnels.

Source: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road – Speed Limits

Correct answer: 50 to 65 mph

Limited-access highways like interstate routes have speed limits from 50 to 65 mph; smaller highways are 55 mph or lower.

Source: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road – Speed Limits

Correct answer: $100

The lowest speeding penalty is a $100 fine, plus surcharges. Above 10 mph over the limit, you pay an extra $10 for every mph beyond the first 10.

Source: Chapter 3: Keeping Your License – Speeding Violations

Correct answer: $185

You were 18 mph over: the first 10 mph cost $105 ($100 plus a $5 surcharge) and the next 8 mph cost $10 each ($80), for $185.

Source: Chapter 3: Keeping Your License – Speeding Violations

Correct answer: It is doubled

If you are caught speeding in a posted work zone, the speeding fine is doubled.

Source: Chapter 3: Keeping Your License – Work Zones

Correct answer: An automatic 30-day suspension

Three speeding violations within a 12-month period bring an automatic 30-day license suspension.

Source: Chapter 3: Keeping Your License – Surchargeable Events

Correct answer: 25 mph or less

Roundabouts are smaller than rotaries, and their size requires vehicles to slow to 25 mph or less. Large rotaries are designed for traffic up to 40 mph.

Source: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road – Rotaries / Roundabouts

Correct answer: 73%

Pedestrian risk rises sharply with speed: about 13% are seriously injured or killed at 20 mph, 40% at 30 mph and 73% at 40 mph.

Source: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road – Dangers of Speeding