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 South Carolina, the law recognizes that driving at or below the posted speed limit can still be unsafe under certain conditions. According to South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56-5-1520, drivers must operate their vehicles at a safe speed that is appropriate for the conditions of the road, regardless of the posted limit. This means that if the weather is bad, such as during rain, snow, or fog, or if there are road hazards like construction zones, curves, or heavy traffic, drivers are expected to slow down to a speed that is reasonable for those specific conditions. Failure to do so can result in a citation for driving too fast for conditions. The statute aims to ensure that drivers adjust their speed to maintain safety on the roads, and law enforcement officers have the discretion to determine if a driver is going too fast for the prevailing conditions, even if they are driving below the posted speed limit.