If it's against the law to drive anywhere in the US over 65 mph, then why are car speedometers over 100 mph?

Answer 1

Just because something's illegal, doesn't mean it's not capable of doing it.

Answer 2

Because speeding tickets are based upon how many mph you are over the limit . In a posted 75mph zone I'm usually at + 8 mph
Out across the big empty spaces of the American West I try to keep it at + 23 because I know that +25 is an arrestable offense and + 23 is just a damned expensive ticket. Without a speedometer that reads 120 or so I would have now way of knowing how fast i was driving - not good.

Answer 3

There are many places where you can legally drive more than 65 mph. If cars could only go 70 mph, running the vehicle wide open would wear the motor out much faster.

Answer 4

Well the laws vary. Esp. between countries. Look at the audobon in Europe. We may have one like that at some point.

As far as the car is concerned...if you are going to drive @ 65mph, on a regular basis, you probably want a car that doesnt max-out at 65. It may wear out the engine too quick. You could put a regulator on the engine so you couldn't drive so fast. [One option for parents]

Also, as a side note...if you had an emergency you might want to have the speed available.


One reason the speed limits are generally at that speed is emissions related. From what I understand.
In addition to peoples concerns over speed related car crashes.
Highly debated topic though.

Answer 5

EVERY car I've ever owned I've had over 100MPH. Wouldn't have known when to back off if they didn't show that speed. Actually fastest I ever went was an indicated 157MPH in a Corvette once. That speedometer went to 160. Bit of advice...never exceed 100MPH in a car with T-tops unless the tops are ON the car and not in the trunk!

Answer 6

It's pretty much the same reason your fuel indicator can show you below empty in some cars. It's to warn the driver.

Race cars aside, it's probably a marketing thing. It is a popular myth that there is no speed limit in Montana. This was the case for a few year, but since 1999 there has been a speed limit there.

Answer 7

No such law exists, there are many states with highway speed limits up to 75 mph, and Montana has a long stretch of highway 94 with no posted speed limits, of course the state police there carefully monitor vehicles exceeding 90, but seldom issue citations...

Answer 8

You are misinformed. Many states have speed limits over 65. Parts of Texas you can go 80.

Answer 9

There are lots of places with speed limits over 65.

Answer 10

So the gary-boys can say:

"Look at my shitty little metro, it's got 120mph on the speedo, but struggles to get over 80. Ignore all that and look at the skirts too low to go over sleeping policemen, they're bare sick, innit."

GB national speed limit on motorways is 70mph.

The above is a poke at the town dwelling boy racers of my locality, feel free to add your own annoying phrases and car fashions.

JL:
Audobon is spelt 'autobahn,' and they are only found in Germany.

Answer 11

I THINK IT IS JUST IN CASE THE SPEED LIMIT WAS EVER RAISED. I REMEMBER WHEN THE NATIONAL SPEED LIMIT WAS 55 IF ALL CARS MADE THEN WOULD ONLY SHOW 55 THOSE OLD CARS NOW WOULD NEED A NEW SPEEDOMETER. YOU COULD ASK THE SAME FOR TIRE SPEED RATINGS.