Important question about freeway speeds?

im a new driver. ive been driving since october '08. the only problem I have is that Id rather take the backroads to college than take the freeway. Im confused as to how the freeway works in terms of speed. ive been on it before and i read the speed limit is 65 but everyone always seems to be going 70 or 80 (especially in the fast lane). i want to obey the law and not get a ticket for speeding so If I take the freeway I obey the speed limit (65mph) but this makes me have to stay in the slow lane to 1. keep from getting a ticket for "slowing down traffic" and 2. obey the speed limit to avoid the ticket. can someone please explain to me how this works and what to do about it?

tjv189

I understand your concern. When in city traffic as you desribe, I usually just try to stay in the 2 lanes furthest to the right at all times. Only get in the 2nd lane from the right if you are passing a vehicle in the rightmost lane, then once you pass them, move back over to the right lane when its safe to do so. Stick right around the speed limit, and as long as you are going the speed limit in those rightmost lanes, no one should bother you. Just be patient.

Eskimo Mom

I'm glad you want to do the speed limit. Don't feel so bad about being confined to the right 2 lanes. I drive a semi that has a governor that is set to 65mph which means that is my top speed unless I am going down a grade. It can get tricky at times trying to balance my needs with other travelers, but many times, we get there at the same time as the people who drive faster than the posted limit.

Most states want you to stay in the right lane & use the left hand lane to pass. The right lane gives you much more leeway in case of problems because you can hit the shoulder or the left lane, depending on the situation. Just keep up the good work & drive defensively. You'll be fine.

Jonas with a Z

First of all, until you get used to driving at higher speeds, stay out of the fast lane.

You are right. There is posted speed limit but then there's also something called speed of traffic. Most of the time if you go 5 miles over and stay in the right or center lane, you'll be ok. The fast lane is for people who most of the time are going faster 80+, so unless you can keep up with them or are passing someone, stay out of that lane.

Police most of the time have their radars set for at least 15 over the limit, so if you're going 5 over, they won't pull you over.

UCANTCME

Welcome to the real world of the crazy drivers..........

You need to stay in the right hand lane and drive the posted speed limit and let all of the fools that cant follow the rules just pass you......drive defensively..

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