How long does a 40 km/h limit last?

Along that road until you pass a sign showing a different number or an end sign. Turn into another street and its own limit applies.

What does 40 with AREA under it mean?

It sets 40 km/h for every street inside that area until you pass a sign ending it.

Regulatory sign · Speed

40 km/h speed limit sign

40 km/h is the most you may drive from this sign on.

Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 21Asked in general knowledgeShown in one practice question

What it means

What does the 40 km/h speed limit sign mean in NSW?

A black 40 inside a red ring on a white face sets a firm 40 km/h ceiling. It turns up where people on foot and cars mix closely: busy high streets, town centres, some local streets and around roadworks. Unlike a school zone sign it carries no times, so it applies around the clock until a different speed sign or an end sign takes over.

What to do

1
Brake to 40 by the time you reach the sign, not after it.
2
Glance at your speedometer, since 40 feels slow after a 60 road.
3
Watch for people stepping out between parked cars.

A practice question with this sign

You drive into roadworks with a 40 km/h sign, but no workers are in sight. What is the limit?

Right.Not quite. The answer is A.

A roadwork speed sign sets the limit for that stretch whether or not people are working, because the road itself may be rough, narrow or changed.

Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 21

Common questions

How long does a 40 km/h limit last?: Along that road until you pass a sign showing a different number or an end sign. Turn into another street and its own limit applies.
What does 40 with AREA under it mean?: It sets 40 km/h for every street inside that area until you pass a sign ending it.

More in speed

NSW Learner mock exam screen: 45 questions, no time limit, two sections with their pass marks

A practice question in NSW Learner answered correctly, with the explanation card

Your L plate turns green when you would pass

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