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Official United States Minimum Speed Limit Road Sign

Federal MUTCD Specifications

Standard Code
R2-4
Sign Category
Regulatory
Shape
Vertical Rectangle
Color Scheme
White with 'MINIMUM SPEED 45' Text

Regulatory Road Sign (R2-4)

Minimum Speed Limit Sign Meaning & Driving Rules

Prohibits driving slower than the posted minimum speed (e.g. 45 mph) on high-speed freeways in good weather.

Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol

Maintain a speed between the posted minimum and maximum limits. Use hazard lights if forced to travel slower due to vehicle malfunction.

Detailed Overview & Purpose

The Minimum Speed Limit sign (R2-4) prevents slow-moving vehicles from impeding the flow of traffic on high-speed expressways. Driving excessively slowly creates dangerous speed differentials that trigger rear-end collisions.

If your vehicle cannot maintain the minimum speed, you must exit the freeway and use secondary roads.

Key Standard & Origin: Speed differentials (differences in speed between vehicles) cause more highway collisions than absolute high speed.

Where You'll Find This Sign

Interstate highways, rural turnpikes, and high-speed tollways.

Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid

Driving 30 mph in clear weather on an interstate with a 45 mph minimum speed limit.

How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test

Tests traffic flow impedance rules on high-speed controlled-access highways.

Legal Penalties and Moving Violations

Impeding the normal flow of traffic carries moving violation fines.

DMV Knowledge Check

When you encounter the official Minimum Speed Limit (R2-4) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?

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