Minnesota Blue Card Practice Test

What is the purpose of a speed limit?

1. To generate revenue through fines

2. To ensure safety on the roads

3. To promote faster driving

4. To control traffic flow only during rush hours

The correct answer is: To ensure safety on the roads

The purpose of a speed limit is fundamentally to ensure safety on the roads. Speed limits are established based on a variety of factors including road conditions, traffic patterns, and the presence of pedestrians and cyclists. They are designed to minimize the risk of accidents by keeping vehicles at speeds that are manageable for drivers to react to sudden changes or hazards. Adhering to speed limits helps reduce the severity of crashes when they do occur and enhances overall road safety for everyone using the roadway. While some may argue that speed limits could generate revenue through fines, this is not the primary intent. Promoting faster driving contradicts the goals of traffic safety, and controlling traffic flow primarily during rush hours does not encompass the broader purpose that speed limits serve throughout different times of the day, including times when road conditions may require more cautious driving.