What is the appropriate speed limit in residential areas unless otherwise posted?

In residential areas, the standard speed limit is set at 25 mph unless otherwise posted. This speed limit is designed to enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users in neighborhoods where children often play and where people may be walking. By keeping the speed limit to 25 mph, it allows drivers more time to react to unexpected situations, such as a child darting into the street or a parked car suddenly opening a door.

Lower speed limits in residential zones help reduce the likelihood and severity of accidents. When drivers adhere to this speed limit, it promotes a safer environment that is conducive to family activities and community interactions. Furthermore, local municipalities may post different speed limits in certain residential areas with specific traffic patterns, but without such signage, the 25 mph speed limit applies consistently across Montana's residential neighborhoods.