Prince Edward Island handbook · chapter 4 · 42 min read

Speed Limits, Following Distances and Driving Skills

Chapter 4: Speed Limits, Following Distances and Driving Skills Chapter 4: Speed Limits, Following Distances and Driving Skills

Speed limits on Prince Edward Island vary – look for speed limit signs. They will let you know what the maximum speed limit is for the stretch of road you’re on. Traffic Act have doubled fines for speeding in a signed school zone. Unless a lower limit is posted, the speed limit for a school zone is: Speeding is risky, but the safest speed isn’t always the slowest speed. If you drive much slower than surrounding traffic, other drivers might get frustrated and try to pass you. •

Aim for a speed that’s appropriate for the conditions in which you are driving. The posted speed is the maximum for ideal conditions only. Choose a slower speed if the conditions are not ideal, such as slippery roads or limited visibility. Unless a sign tells you otherwise, the maximum speed limit in Prince Edward Island is 80 km/h. Basic speed limits are: • 50 km/h in urban areas; • 60 km/h within a construction zone; • 80 km/h on unpaved roads; • 90 km/h in other locations at night time; • When driving in a school zone, you must take extra caution and reduce speed. Recent amendments to the Highway 60 km/h when entering and passing through a school zone that has been properly designated as such by the erection of signs at the entrance thereto and the exit therefrom, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday during the months of September to June. A driver must not drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed that is greater than is reasonable and prudent according to the conditions and hazards on or near the highway. At all times, a driver must exercise due care and attention and reasonable consideration for other people. A driver must control the speed of a vehicle to avoid a collision with people, vehicles, animals or other obstacles on the highway. You must remember that posted speed limits indicate the maximum safe speed under favourable driving conditions.

Chapter 4: Speed Limits, Following Distances and Driving Skills

A reduction in speed is essential when driving under unfavourable conditions, such as: • poor visibility, due to darkness, rain, fog or snow, etc; • wet or slippery road surfaces; • heavy traffic; • pedestrians on or near the highway; or • fatigue, illness or nervous tension on the part of the driver.

SLOW DRIVING A driver must not drive a vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. If for some reason you must drive slowly because of mechanical or other problems, it is a matter of common sense and courtesy to: • move over to the right lane and permit other traffic to pass; or • pull off the roadway and stop to allow traffic to get by. DRAG RACING It is illegal to race or stunt drive a vehicle or bicycle on any street or highway. This extremely dangerous activity is prohibited. Drivers may lose their driving privileges if convicted of this offence.