Found this while browsing on Fail blog and thought I'd share it here. It looks like one of the New Jersey Turnpike variable speed limit signs malfunctioned! According to the comments on the photo, this is along the Pennsylvania Turnpike Extension off the New Jersey Turnpike.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffailblog.files.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F22863922-b306-41b3-a0b3-132ff005049d.jpg&hash=5af6fcdccbdbe131af12c3f6a62943ec29b5a9c0)
:ded:
Those things never show the same display. I credit them when they work right. XD
epic fail. :pan:
I wonder if anyone actually tried to go -8mph...
^^^
Just back up along the shoulder at 8 mph... :sombrero:
Or go back in time or something. Can't quite get my head around negative speed.
This brings up a question. Legally, what would be the speed limit if something like this showed up on the sign? Can they even ticket you for speeding at all?
you can say i thought it was 88 mph?
Quote from: SteveG1988 on December 11, 2010, 12:26:18 AM
you can say i thought it was 88 mph?
it could be as low as 28. it's very likely a sign whose regulatory validity would get thrown out in court instantly, with the implication being that you should have continued to obey the
previous sign.
It's always annoyed me on the turnpike when I pass a 65 sign, then a blank sign (which I ignore and continue going 70), then a 45 sign. Makes me feel like maybe the blank one was supposed to be 45. That's always worried me when driving on it.
Quote from: agentsteel53 on December 11, 2010, 12:29:46 AM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on December 11, 2010, 12:26:18 AM
you can say i thought it was 88 mph?
it could be as low as 28. it's very likely a sign whose regulatory validity would get thrown out in court instantly, with the implication being that you should have continued to obey the previous sign.
Or the default - 50 is it? - that they post in some places at the state line. And even if it's not posted, "ignorance of the law is no excuse."
Quote from: Michael in Philly on December 10, 2010, 11:41:03 PMOr go back in time or something. Can't quite get my head around negative speed.
Negative speed doesn't work - both duration and distance are scalar, not vector. I guess time is vector, so going back in time might work.
However Michael in Philly's suggestion of reversing along the shoulder (as long as you are going the wrong way) would be a velocity of -8, as velocity (displacement/duration) is a vector quantity.
Maybe it is Warp Point Eight?
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on December 11, 2010, 12:37:30 PM
It's always annoyed me on the turnpike when I pass a 65 sign, then a blank sign (which I ignore and continue going 70), then a 45 sign. Makes me feel like maybe the blank one was supposed to be 45. That's always worried me when driving on it.
the blank one can't be enforced.
neither can one that is knocked down face-down. except of course when it
is enforced, because they know damn well you won't fly back to Rectangular Assbladder County, three time zones from your home, to show up in court and contest it.
so, basically, the speed limit of -8 is a way to levy senseless fines upon out-of-state drivers.
Are speed limits ending in 8 allowed? I thought they had to end in 0 or 5.
Engineering standards (and MUTCD standards?) do stipulate that speed limits should be a multiple of 5 (multiple of 10 for metric), but I don't know about it actually being a legal requirement.
Remembering me the Minus World in SMB.
Quote from: Duke87 on December 12, 2010, 11:15:50 AM
Engineering standards (and MUTCD standards?) do stipulate that speed limits should be a multiple of 5 (multiple of 10 for metric), but I don't know about it actually being a legal requirement.
There's a college near my house that prints up its own speed limit signs. The main street that connects all the campuses together has a speed limit of 12 mph while the parking lots have a speed limit of 4 mph.
Part of the road connecting I-64 to US 60 and Busch Gardens Williamsburg here is posted at 18 mph. The signs I believe are all posted by the park up until the US 60 interchange, but apart from the advance signs for the exits, all appear to be perfectly MUTCD-standard
Quote from: Truvelo on December 12, 2010, 07:10:16 AM
Are speed limits ending in 8 allowed? I thought they had to end in 0 or 5.
The speed limit of the University of Mississippi campus is 18, in honor of former quarterback Archie Manning.
I remember seeing this one for a while (and laughed when I saw it on failblog). That particular one is the last variable speed sign before the bridge. The last time I was out there it was blank.
If I remember my NJ drivers manual... I believe that if the speed limit is ever not posted, default speed limits come into play. That's 25 in a residential, 25 (35?) in a business district, and I believe 50 everywhere else. Technically, I suppose a trooper could bust you for going over 50 in that case, but there are other 55 signs before that one, so it should be assumed that the speed limit of 55 carried over. Guess it depends on the mood of the judge whether it'd hold up in court. Of course I doubt that going 88 would hold up in court (though I'd love to see the judge's face if you tried -- might get off on comedic value), especially since the state speed limit is 65. I would like to see someone try and fight a ticket for 65 in a 55 (or even say 70 in a 55) if there was no number on the sign, though, under the assumption that 65 is the "typical" turnpike speed limit.
This reminds me... I was a bit taken by the 60mph speed limit on I-83 north of Baltimore the other day. I think that's the first time I can recall seeing 60 on a freeway (or at least the first time in a long while). For some reason they always use 55 or 65 (or 70 & 75 outside the northeast).
A sign at the Stark County Courthouse in Wisconsin has a speed limit 2 sign.
Quote from: Compulov on March 29, 2011, 04:56:51 PM
This reminds me... I was a bit taken by the 60mph speed limit on I-83 north of Baltimore the other day. I think that's the first time I can recall seeing 60 on a freeway (or at least the first time in a long while). For some reason they always use 55 or 65 (or 70 & 75 outside the northeast).
Virginia staggers speed limit decreases going into cities most of the time, which leads to, at least on I-64 heading into Hampton Roads, 70 -> 65 -> 60 -> 55. Plus I-664 and I-464 within Hampton Roads have segments with a speed limit of 60.
I had never really thought about it, always assuming that that was just as common a speed limit as any of the other even numbers (50, 40, etc.).
Quote from: rmsandw on March 29, 2011, 05:01:57 PM
A sign at the Stark County Courthouse in Wisconsin has a speed limit 2 sign.
Can they give you a speeding ticket if you run?
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on March 29, 2011, 05:49:55 PM
Quote from: Compulov on March 29, 2011, 04:56:51 PM
This reminds me... I was a bit taken by the 60mph speed limit on I-83 north of Baltimore the other day. I think that's the first time I can recall seeing 60 on a freeway (or at least the first time in a long while). For some reason they always use 55 or 65 (or 70 & 75 outside the northeast).
Virginia staggers speed limit decreases going into cities most of the time, which leads to, at least on I-64 heading into Hampton Roads, 70 -> 65 -> 60 -> 55. Plus I-664 and I-464 within Hampton Roads have segments with a speed limit of 60.
I had never really thought about it, always assuming that that was just as common a speed limit as any of the other even numbers (50, 40, etc.).
I've seen that elsewhere, just usually in 10s... 65 -> 55 -> 45 (if needed). One place that sticks in my mind outside the freeway system is Old Trenton Road in West Windsor, NJ. The road is 50, but drops down to 35 because of a blind intersection and a traffic light. They drop the limit to 45, then, I think to 40, then to 35. I wish more roads had staggered speed drops, since it's highly irritating to go from a 50 zone to 25 (usually with a cop sitting right behind the sign). By staggering it, you can at least just let up off the gas and cruise down to the proper speed.
Based on how Virginia does it on surface streets (an extremely annoying example that comes to mind is US 60 eastbound approaching the Virginia Beach Oceanfront), I couldn't disagree with you more. I would much rather keep cruising along at 55, see a 25 ahead sign, and slow down to 25 then see a row of signs ahead each with 10 mph less, and spaced far enough that it's not one smooth deceleration. Like you'd slow down to 45, hold for a few, then slow down to 35, hold for a few, then slow down to 25.
And it's highly irritating to go from a 50 to a 25 zone anyway, regardless of whether it's staggered or not.
Quote from: rmsandw on March 29, 2011, 05:01:57 PM
A sign at the Stark County Courthouse in Wisconsin has a speed limit 2 sign.
There is no Stark County in Wisconsin.
Sauk County. I've seen the signs - they're in Baraboo. that town also has a much more interesting sign that dates to the early 20s!
(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/WI/WI19180121i3.jpg)
I've never been a fan of staggered speed limits because it does not allow me to plan for the final speed accurately. I just keep saying to myself "what, another drop??"
if it were prefixed with a "speed limit 25 ahead" yellow diamond warning sign, then it would be more strategically sensible.
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on March 29, 2011, 05:49:55 PM
Quote from: Compulov on March 29, 2011, 04:56:51 PM
This reminds me... I was a bit taken by the 60mph speed limit on I-83 north of Baltimore the other day. I think that's the first time I can recall seeing 60 on a freeway (or at least the first time in a long while). For some reason they always use 55 or 65 (or 70 & 75 outside the northeast).
Virginia staggers speed limit decreases going into cities most of the time, which leads to, at least on I-64 heading into Hampton Roads, 70 -> 65 -> 60 -> 55. Plus I-664 and I-464 within Hampton Roads have segments with a speed limit of 60.
I had never really thought about it, always assuming that that was just as common a speed limit as any of the other even numbers (50, 40, etc.).
I think because when they lifted the 55 exemption, first it was to 65 on freeways, so everyone instantly went up to 65. Then the ceiling went completely, but there's not a lot of utility to changing something by 5 mph versus 10, 15, or more. Just a theory.
Quote from: Compulov on March 29, 2011, 05:57:49 PM
I've seen that elsewhere, just usually in 10s... 65 -> 55 -> 45 (if needed). One place that sticks in my mind outside the freeway system is Old Trenton Road in West Windsor, NJ. The road is 50, but drops down to 35 because of a blind intersection and a traffic light. They drop the limit to 45, then, I think to 40, then to 35. I wish more roads had staggered speed drops, since it's highly irritating to go from a 50 zone to 25 (usually with a cop sitting right behind the sign). By staggering it, you can at least just let up off the gas and cruise down to the proper speed.
That's fine, as long as the other direction doesn't stagger back up slowly. Hate that.
Haha! Those signs are just as bad as the neon overhead RSA (Reduced Speed Ahead) signs. The variable speed limit (VSL) signs I usually see are either correct or blank. But LOL on - 8.
My boss showed me a sign test where it will flash all the available speeds, and I believe it was in multiples of 5 between 35 and 65. Not sure all the speeds it's capable of displaying.
The Authority is replacing the neon signs with new full-color overhead VMS boards, and I am sure this will include the speed limit signs as well.
Quote from: tollboothrob on March 30, 2011, 12:01:00 AM
My boss showed me a sign test where it will flash all the available speeds, and I believe it was in multiples of 5 between 35 and 65. Not sure all the speeds it's capable of displaying.
there's always a few errant settings in the firmware, like the "-8" shown here. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the settings didn't line up with actual digit depictions.
Quote from: agentsteel53 on March 29, 2011, 07:33:57 PM
I've never been a fan of staggered speed limits because it does not allow me to plan for the final speed accurately. I just keep saying to myself "what, another drop??"
if it were prefixed with a "speed limit 25 ahead" yellow diamond warning sign, then it would be more strategically sensible.
I've *really* liked the fact that they started using these over the last few years. Nothing more stupid in my eyes than a "Reduced speed ahead" sign and no clue what the new speed is until you see it.
Quote from: tollboothrob on March 30, 2011, 12:01:00 AM
Haha! Those signs are just as bad as the neon overhead RSA (Reduced Speed Ahead) signs. The variable speed limit (VSL) signs I usually see are either correct or blank. But LOL on - 8.
My boss showed me a sign test where it will flash all the available speeds, and I believe it was in multiples of 5 between 35 and 65. Not sure all the speeds it's capable of displaying.
The Authority is replacing the neon signs with new full-color overhead VMS boards, and I am sure this will include the speed limit signs as well.
I really like the new variable speed limit signs they put up in the construction zone. I hope those become permanent. That or ones like the PA Turnpike put up in some of their new construction areas out west or the ones on I-495 in Delaware.
Quote from: Compulov on March 30, 2011, 12:41:28 PMI really like the new variable speed limit signs they put up in the construction zone. I hope those become permanent. That or ones like the PA Turnpike put up in some of their new construction areas out west or the ones on I-495 in Delaware.
There are variable speed limit signs on the section east of Breezewood as the Turnpike climbs and crosses Rays and Sideling Hills and between Exit 91 and the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel. Speed limit in the construction zones is 55 and there is usually one of those "YOUR SPEED IS..." signs with a radar gun at the start to slow people down.
Quote from: PAHighways on March 30, 2011, 06:54:03 PM
Quote from: Compulov on March 30, 2011, 12:41:28 PMI really like the new variable speed limit signs they put up in the construction zone. I hope those become permanent. That or ones like the PA Turnpike put up in some of their new construction areas out west or the ones on I-495 in Delaware.
There are variable speed limit signs on the section east of Breezewood as the Turnpike climbs and crosses Rays and Sideling Hills and between Exit 91 and the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel. Speed limit in the construction zones is 55 and there is usually one of those "YOUR SPEED IS..." signs with a radar gun at the start to slow people down.
I didn't state it as well as I could have, but those (the ones crossing Rays and Sideling Hills) are exactly the ones I was talking about. The last time I was out that way it had looked like it was somewhat recently (last few years) repaved/resurfaced/whatever with the new variable speed limit signs up. Did they only do them there because of high winds, though?
Quote from: Compulov on March 31, 2011, 03:42:49 PMI didn't state it as well as I could have, but those (the ones crossing Rays and Sideling Hills) are exactly the ones I was talking about. The last time I was out that way it had looked like it was somewhat recently (last few years) repaved/resurfaced/whatever with the new variable speed limit signs up. Did they only do them there because of high winds, though?
Wind, snow, sleet, ice, fog, etc.
Quote from: Compulov on March 29, 2011, 05:53:56 PM
Quote from: rmsandw on March 29, 2011, 05:01:57 PM
A sign at the Stark County Courthouse in Wisconsin has a speed limit 2 sign.
Can they give you a speeding ticket if you run?
How about if you walk?! I walk at 3 mph, 100% over the limit!
Quote from: Bickendan on April 01, 2011, 04:23:41 PM
How about if you walk?! I walk at 3 mph, 100% over the limit!
ooh, citation for poor arithmetic - $268 fine.
D'oh! Will that be a check, money order or an IOU?
live goat, please.
:-D That's a good one.
Quote from: Compulov on March 29, 2011, 04:56:51 PM
This reminds me... I was a bit taken by the 60mph speed limit on I-83 north of Baltimore the other day. I think that's the first time I can recall seeing 60 on a freeway (or at least the first time in a long while). For some reason they always use 55 or 65 (or 70 & 75 outside the northeast).
Most of the OKC freeway system is signed 60 MPH (the default speed limit for non-turnpike freeways in OK is 70).
Urban freeways in Washington are also 60. (And rural is also 70. :))