If the posted speed limit is not visible, what should you do in a residential area?

In a residential area, if the posted speed limit is not visible, the default speed limit is typically assumed to be 25 miles per hour. This is a commonly enforced guideline in many areas to ensure safety, particularly as residential zones are often populated with pedestrians, children, and pets. Familiarity with local regulations generally dictates that drivers should adhere to this limit unless otherwise indicated, as speeding in residential areas poses significant risks to residents and the community at large.

The options to drive as fast as you can, stop to check for signs, or ask a local resident do not provide a responsible response to the situation. Speeding is inherently dangerous and can lead to accidents. Stopping to check for signs might cause uncertainty and disrupt traffic flow. Asking a local resident is unreliable since they may not know the current speed limit, and it delays your driving. Thus, assuming the standard 25 miles per hour in the absence of signage is the safest and most prudent action to take.