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 New Jersey, as in many states, drivers can be cited for driving too fast for conditions, even if they are below the posted speed limit. This is because the state's traffic laws require motorists to adjust their speed to suit the conditions of the road, weather, and traffic. New Jersey Statutes Title 39:4-98 specifically states that speed should be controlled so as not to endanger the safety of oneself or others, and this includes taking into account the actual and potential hazards then existing. Conditions that might necessitate a reduction in speed include inclement weather like rain, snow, or ice, reduced visibility such as fog, construction zones, heavy traffic, and roadways with curves or uneven surfaces. Police officers have the discretion to determine what constitutes a reasonable standard for safe driving under the current conditions, and drivers who fail to adjust their speed appropriately can be ticketed for this offense.