The Oregon "basic rule" for speed says:
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A.
You may exceed the posted limit if traffic conditions are clear and safe.
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B.
Drive at a speed reasonable and cautious for conditions, never over the posted limit. Correct
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C.
You must drive at exactly the posted speed limit, no more, no less.
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D.
The posted limit is only a suggestion under the basic rule.
The answer is "Drive at a speed reasonable and cautious for conditions, never over the posted limit."
The basic rule requires you to drive at a speed that is reasonable and cautious for existing conditions, and it applies on all roads at all times. Crucially, the basic rule does not permit you to drive over the posted speed limit. The posted limit acts as a ceiling; the basic rule may further reduce your safe speed below the posted limit when conditions warrant (rain, fog, traffic, school children, etc.).
The traps in the wrong answers
A. You may exceed the posted limit if traffic conditions are clear and safe.
The basic rule explicitly does not allow driving over the posted speed limit, regardless of conditions. Misreading: Treats the basic rule as authorizing speeds above the posted limit when conditions seem safe. The manual states the basic rule does not allow you to drive over the speed limit.
C. You must drive at exactly the posted speed limit, no more, no less.
The basic rule does not require driving at the posted limit; it requires a speed safe for conditions, which may be lower than posted. Misreading: Reads the posted limit as a required exact speed. The manual defines the posted limit as the maximum considered safe, not a fixed required speed.
D. The posted limit is only a suggestion under the basic rule.
Posted limits are enforceable. The basic rule operates in addition to (not instead of) posted limits. Misreading: Treats posted limits as advisory. Posted speed limits are set in law and enforced; the basic rule applies alongside them, not in place of them.
This question tests your knowledge of Speed Limits in Oregon. Source: Oregon Driver Manual, "Speed Regulations - The Basic Rule Law," p.20..
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