What is the typical speed limit in an urban or residential district?

The typical speed limit in an urban or residential district is generally set at 30 mph. This limit is established to promote safety in areas where there are higher concentrations of pedestrians, cyclists, and homes. Maintaining a speed limit of 30 mph helps to reduce the severity of accidents that may occur due to the presence of these vulnerable road users and allows drivers more time to react to unexpected situations, such as children running into the street or cars backing out of driveways.

Lower speed limits, while also applicable in some situations, may vary from location to location, but 30 mph serves as a standard guideline in many urban contexts. This balance seeks to ensure that vehicular access is reasonable while also protecting the safety of residents. Such speed limits are often reinforced with signage and traffic calming measures to encourage compliance among drivers.