Speed Limits and Control
- 1/25The safest approach to determining your driving speed
The safest speed is not always the slowest. Drivers should adjust their speed to match the current road and visibility conditions, as the posted limit is the maximum for ideal conditions only.
A risk of driving much slower than surrounding traffic
Driving at a speed considerably slower than the flow of traffic can frustrate other drivers. This may lead them to attempt risky passing maneuvers, increasing the potential for collisions.
A driver should choose a speed slower than the posted limit when
The posted speed limit indicates the maximum speed for ideal conditions. Drivers must reduce their speed below this limit when conditions are poor, such as during rain, snow, or fog, to maintain safety.
The standard speed limit within cities and towns, unless a sign indicates otherwise
Within urban areas, the default speed limit is 50 km/h unless otherwise posted. Drivers must adhere to this limit to ensure safety in densely populated and high-traffic environments.
The standard speed limit for driving outside cities and towns, unless a sign indicates a different speed
On roads outside of cities and towns, the general speed limit is 90 km/h. This applies to rural roads and highways when no other speed limit signs are present.
The speed limit in a playground zone
For playground zones, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect every day, specifically from dawn to dusk. This regulation aims to protect children who may be present in or around the play area.
If a 50 km/h speed limit sign appears in a school zone, the limits are in effect during
The 50 km/h speed limit in a school zone is active from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on school days, specifically when children are on the roadway or shoulder. Drivers must reduce their speed during these times.
If you see a school zone sign with a 20 km/h posted speed
When a 20 km/h school zone sign is encountered, drivers are required to slow down to that posted speed. This reduced speed is necessary to ensure the safety of children in the area.
The maximum speed limit permitted in Manitoba
Manitoba has a maximum speed limit of 100 km/hour, which is equivalent to 60 miles per hour. This speed applies to specific highways under ideal conditions.
The speed limit in school zones in Manitoba
In Manitoba, the speed limit in school zones is 30 km/hr, 20 mph. This lower limit is enforced to enhance safety for children during school hours.
The speed limit in built-up areas in Manitoba
In Manitoba, the speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/hr, 30 mph. This standard limit applies to urban and residential areas to manage traffic and pedestrian safety.
The speed limit along rural roads
Along rural roads in Manitoba, the speed limit is typically 90 km/hr. This applies to roads outside of built-up areas, where traffic volume may be lower but conditions can vary.
Deciding the speed limit when roads are slippery
The posted speed limit is for ideal conditions. When roads are slippery, drivers must reduce their speed below the posted limit to maintain control and prevent accidents.
Driving at the slowest possible speed
While speeding is risky, driving excessively slowly compared to surrounding traffic can also be unsafe. It may cause frustration among other drivers and lead them to attempt unsafe passing maneuvers.
If your driving conditions are poor
When visibility or road grip is reduced by weather, slowing down helps maintain control and prevent collisions.
When is it permissible to exceed the posted maximum speed limit
Exceeding the speed limit is illegal in all situations, including emergencies and overtaking.
Driving too slowly is considered unsafe if it causes
Extremely slow driving can disrupt traffic and lead to dangerous overtaking by other drivers.
On highways with a posted limit under 80 km/h, when passing roadside emergency vehicles, you must reduce your speed to
You must reduce your speed to 40 km/h to ensure the safety of roadside workers and emergency responders.
On highways with a posted limit of 80 km/h or higher, the speed you must reduce to when passing roadside emergency vehicles
Slowing to 60 km/h provides a safety buffer for emergency workers and reduces collision risk on high-speed roads.
Consequence of driving faster than reduced limits when passing roadside emergency vehicles
Failing to reduce speed near emergency scenes results in penalties and negatively affects your driving record.
The recommended speed limit for vehicles over seven tonnes on Manitoba’s winter ice roads
Heavy vehicles must go slowly on ice roads to prevent cracking and preserve the structural integrity of the surface.
The maximum speed for farm tractors, combines, and similar farm equipment
Farm machinery typically travels at low speeds and may appear unexpectedly on rural roads. Stay alert and patient.
The maximum speed limit on an urban freeway in Manitoba
Urban freeways have lower speed limits due to denser traffic, intersections, and pedestrian zones.
The maximum speed limit on a rural divided highway in Manitoba
Divided highways outside cities allow higher speeds, with safety barriers reducing the risk of head-on collisions.
The maximum speed limit on an undivided rural road in Manitoba
Despite no physical divider, undivided rural roads may permit speeds up to 90 km/h, requiring cautious driving.