§ 335.01. Maximum speed limits.

(a)

No person shall drive a vehicle on a street or highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards, then existing. In every event speed shall be so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the street or highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.

(b)

Where no special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with subsection (a) of this section the speed of any vehicle not in excess of the limits specified in this section or established as hereinafter authorized shall be lawful, but any speed in excess of the limits specified in the subsections of this section or established as hereinafter authorized shall be unlawful.

		MPH
(1)	In residence districts, when not otherwise signposted.	20
(2)	At intersection in residence districts not controlled by traffic signal lights.	20
(3)	In business and congested districts, when not otherwise signposted.	25
(4)	At intersection in business and congested districts not controlled by traffic signal lights.	20
(5)	When passing through school zones during school recess or while children are going to or from school during opening or closing hours.	15
(6)	School buses while standing, loading or unloading.	Full stop
(7)	When emerging from an alley, driveway, parking lot, garage, building or place of business.	Full stop
(8)	On all streets and roadways for which a minimum speed is prescribed on official traffic control sign, as specified on such signs.
(9)	On all streets and roadways for which a maximum speed is prescribed on official traffic control signs, as specified on such signs.

 

(c)

Whenever the speed limitations have been so altered, either higher or lower, and the appropriate signs giving notice have been erected as required, operators of vehicles shall be governed by the speed limitations set forth on such signs. No person shall exceed the speed limits posted upon such signs.

(d)

The driver of every vehicle shall, consistent with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when a special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.

(e)

The speed limit on controlled-access highways and interstate highways, where no special hazard exists that requires a lower speed, shall in no event be lower than 55 miles per hour and the speed limits specified in subsection (b) of this section shall not apply. (W. Va. Code, § 17C-6-1)

(Code 1979, § 21-3-61; Code 1991, § 335.01; Ord. of 9-18-1989)