Is it legal to drive faster than the posted speed limit if you think it's safe?

Driving faster than the posted speed limit is unlawful regardless of personal perceptions of safety. Speed limits are established based on a variety of factors, including road conditions, traffic patterns, and community standards. They serve as guidelines to promote safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Ignoring these limits can lead to increased risks of accidents and injuries, as higher speeds reduce the driver's ability to react to sudden changes in driving conditions or obstacles.

Even if a driver believes that the conditions may permit a higher speed, such as clear weather or light traffic, the law does not allow for exceptions based on individual judgment. Compliance with speed limits ensures that all drivers follow the same rules, creating a predictable and safer driving environment. This legal standard aims to create uniformity in road behavior, reducing the potential for dangerous situations that can arise from individual interpretation of what is "safe."