Under what circumstances can you legally drive under the speed limit?

Driving under the speed limit is permissible when safety conditions require lower speeds. This means that if road conditions are hazardous—such as during inclement weather, poor visibility, or road work—drivers are expected to adjust their speed to maintain safety, even if it means going below the posted limit. This principle prioritizes the safety of all road users, as it allows drivers to have more control over their vehicle and the ability to respond effectively to potential hazards.

It's also important to remember that while other scenarios may involve driving under the speed limit, they do not constitute legal justifications in the same way. For instance, simply being late to a destination or navigating through heavy traffic does not inherently necessitate a reduced speed for safety. Driving through a residential area may have its own speed limits, but unless specifically justified by safety concerns, this does not serve as a broad rationale for exceeding those limits. The key takeaway is prioritizing safety above all else when considering speed while driving.