In some road conditions, including fog, rain and traffic flow, even driving at the speed limit could potentially be too fast. Use your judgement.
Country roads are often narrow and have sharp bends. Stay in control and give yourself time to react to unexpected hazards by braking before the bend, not in it. Be aware there may be unexpected hazards, such as blind bends, vehicles coming out of junctions and animals on country roads.
Driving too fast for the conditions is simply bad driving. Driving too close to the car in front, undertaking and failing to signal are widely accepted as examples of bad driving.
The top speed limit in Jersey is 40mph, in Guernsey it is 35mph but much lower limits are also in place around the Islands, particularly in built-up areas. There are many ‘part-time’ 20mph zones around schools, and in Guernsey certain coastal areas have a 25mph speed limit. Our green lanes in Jersey have just a 15mph speed limit – although this in only an advisory limit in Guernsey.
Source: Think!
If you’re then found guilty of speeding in Jersey, you’ll receive a fine and in Guernsey a ban on driving is also likely. The level of the fine will usually depend on how much over the limit you were going. In the UK you could also have your driving licence endorsed with penalty points, or you could be banned from driving.
Both Jersey and Guernsey Police use manual speed detection equipment to measure speed, and often target areas that are known to have a high record of crashes caused by speed. However, they do monitor other areas, particularly if they get complaints about people speeding.
Police also place speed indicator devices, which are portable signs, around the Island. When a motorist approaches the device, it displays the speed the vehicle is travelling at. It will usually show a sad face if the vehicle is travelling above the speed limit and a happy face if the vehicle is within the speed limit. They are designed to help motorists keep within the speed limit.