65 Speed Limit Sign - where did it go? (traveling Hwy 98 west past Rosemary Beach)

I dunno, but it is very annoying on US 98 with speed limits ranging from 65 to 55 to 45. Perfect setup for speed traps. Argh! Saw a lot of vehicles getting tickets on 98 last weekend.

Thanks for your reply - ditto, feel the same way about the speed changes!! We've seen at night State Trooper vehicles a sitting in the ditch without lights on -- you don't even know they're there. yikes!

They probably figured they needed to make it more complicated so that they can give more tickets.

I have considered that perhaps the government needs the money more than my family and I need it. Changing speed limits without notification or warning allows a perfect opportunity to collect more revenues that may not currently be available from other sources. I noticed during Spring Break a couple of years ago, while driving through Bay Minette, Alabama on the way to Orange Beach, the local authorities had the "SCHOOL ZONE: 35 MPH WHEN FLASHING" sign's "FLASHING" light on at 8:30 PM on a Friday night (in an otherwise 55 MPH zone). Perhaps the theory is that "Well, if these people can afford to be driving down to the coast for a vacation, then they can afford a $168 'GOTCHA' toll."

How is that a "trap"? There are signs saying "reduced speed ahead", then clearly visible speed limit signs reduce the speed to 55, then to 45.

I swear that the 65 sign was there just a week ago, because I accelerate as soon as I see it!

I think what BR is saying is that highways that have closely fluctuating speed limits (called "Speed Zones") tend to serve effectively as "speed traps." You are correct that they are usually preceded by "Reduced Speed Ahead" or "Speed Zone Ahead" signs effectively serve as "speed traps" in that they redice the speed limit in areas that otherwise do not create a need for reduced speed limits. Harpersville, Alabama's stretch of U.S. Highway 280 drops from 65 MPH to 45 MPH (it used to be 35 MPH) over a 1-mile stretch in either direction of the intersection with U.S. 231 North, while similar intersections in larger and smaller communities retain the 65 MPH or drop to 55 MPH (without all of the 5 MPH intervals), and Harpersville has always heavily patrolled the area and strictly enforced the fluctuating speed limits, especially on Auburn football weekends (further down 280), Talladega race weekends (up 231), and holiday lake weekends (it's in between Lake Logan Martin and Lake Martin). I've wondered if it wouldn't be more efficient to return to a 55 or 65 MPH speed limit but install a $0.50 or $0.75 toll plaza and take everyone's money away from them that way.

The 65 sign is back!

I understand but find it hard to call foul when merely toggling the coast button on my cruise provides sufficient deceleration, so tapping the brakes is even more effective.

I reported it: So glad they took fast action!
Ms. Anderson,

We have forwarded your email to the Florida Department of Transportation to answer questions regarding the sign. Their representative should respond to you shortly.

Thank you for contacting us and for your interest in public safety.

Sincerely,

Captain Mark E. Brown
Chief of Public Affairs
Office of Executive Director
Florida Highway Patrol
2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 44
Tallahassee, FL, 32399-0500
Office: 850.617.2301
Fax: 850.617.5108
markbrown@flhsmv.gov
www.flhsmv.gov