Are speed limits enforcable on bridges across water?

Answer 1

I don't see why not.

Answer 2

The answer is possibly yes, until such time as the water level rises and the bridge is flooded, at which point the road may well form part of a navigable waterway due to an "Act of God," and the vehicle you are driving would automatically become a powered-vessel.

If this happens, then maritime rules would prevail, and in the case of an inland waterway, the speed limit may come down to a walking pace. However, it is very unlikely that the Traffic Police would be able to prosecute, because they would be outside their normal sphere of duty, and in any event, they wouldn't want to get their tootsies wet or find themselves stranded on a flooded bridge.

Your main concern then becomes floating patrols by police in power-boats, who could issue tickets on several counts.

For a start, due to the fact that the road-bridge now forms part of a navigable waterway, you would not be displaying the proper lights, which should be coloured red and green to port and starboard sides respectively.

With petrol in your tanks, it would be expected that you hoist the appropriate warning flag concerning dangerous cargo.

You would also be guilty of not carrying the appropriate life-jackets, dinghy, anchor, flares and emergency radio equipment.

Should you be in collision with a small rowing-boat whilst travelling across the bridge, you would automatically be found guilty, due to the the fact that you failed to give way, as a powered vessel, to the rowing-boat which would be an unpowered vessel.

Any overtaking would have to be carried out with due consideration to other vessels, and any excessive bow-wave would have serious implications legally.

I'm not quite sure where you would stand with the insurance, but knowing how the insurance companies wash their hands of "Acts of God", you would probably be in hot-water.....or cold....as the case may be.

Should you drown, it is quite likely that no-one will pay out a single penny, on the basis that you :-

a) took excessive risks
b) were not covered by motor-insurance
c) did not have marine insurance
d) failed to take all necessary steps to protect your own life
e) failed to notify your insurers as to change of vehicle use

The only good thing is, that should you be done for speeding in a powered vessel on a navigable waterway, you will not get points on your driving licence.

That would enable you to salute the traffic police and say, "Get screwed!"

Answer 3

Of course. Why wouldn't they be? For that matter, speed limits are enforceable on water. Ever seen a boat get pulled over for violating the "no wake" rule? I sure have living here with Lake Texoma so near. Lake Patrol is out in force every weekend.

Answer 4

If the bridge forms part of a public thoroughfare, then all the regulations in the Highway Code and Road Traffic Acts will apply.

Answer 5

They are enforcable on roads, the definition of a road in the uk includes any tunnel underneath a road or any bridge forming part of the road but I'm not sure about other countries!

Answer 6

if it is a public bridge built by the highway commission or state there should be a speed limit sign as you approach the bridge and shortly after you exit and yes they will burn your *** up if they stop you on the bridge for speeding

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

Surely the speed limit should be decided by the owner/'s of the road!
Unless there is an obviuos danger where the goverment/'s may step in and enfoce one!

Answer 10

They most certainly are on the Golden Gate Bridge!