Even if you are driving under the posted speed limit, you may be given a ticket or citation for driving too fast for the conditions. Driving too fast for conditions is defined as traveling at a speed that is greater than a reasonable standard for safe driving.
Examples of conditions where drivers may find themselves driving too fast include wet roadways (rain, snow, or ice); reduced visibility (fog); uneven roads; construction zones; curves; intersections; gravel roads; and heavy traffic.
In Ohio, as in many states, it is possible to receive a ticket for driving too fast for conditions, even if you are driving at or below the posted speed limit. Ohio law requires drivers to operate their vehicles at a 'reasonable and prudent' speed for the given conditions. This means that drivers must adjust their speed to account for factors such as inclement weather (rain, snow, or ice), reduced visibility (fog), road construction, uneven road surfaces, curves, intersections, gravel roads, and heavy traffic. The specific statute that addresses this is Section 4511.21 of the Ohio Revised Code, which states that speed shall be controlled to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle, or other conveyance on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care. Violating this statute can result in a citation for speeding, even if the vehicle was traveling below the posted speed limit at the time.