Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit in a residential district?

In South Carolina, unless otherwise indicated by posted signs, the default speed limit in residential districts is set at 25 miles per hour. This speed limit is established to ensure the safety of residents, especially children and pedestrians who may be present. Residential areas often have numerous driveways, parked cars, and pedestrian traffic, which can increase the risk of accidents.

The rationale behind this limit is to promote caution and reduce the likelihood of collisions while also considering the neighborhood environment, which typically prioritizes residential needs over faster traffic flow. Higher speeds, like 30 miles per hour or above, could reduce reaction times and increase the severity of accidents in environments where pedestrians are common. Therefore, the designated limit encourages drivers to exercise heightened attention and care when navigating through residential neighborhoods.