What does the term 'speed limit' indicate?

The term 'speed limit' indicates the maximum allowed speed at which a vehicle may travel on a particular road or area. This means that drivers are permitted to operate their vehicles at any speed that is equal to or below this limit, as long as they assess the conditions and determine that it is safe to do so.

Driving at or below the speed limit allows for flexibility based on traffic, road conditions, weather, and the driver's own comfort level. It aligns with the principle of safe driving, which emphasizes not just adhering to numerical limits but also considering the overall context in which one is driving.

The other options imply restrictions or misunderstandings regarding the application of speed limits. Some suggest an inflexible adherence to the limit or disregard for factors that might necessitate driving slower, which doesn't reflect safe driving practices as understood in New Zealand's road regulations.