(a) No person shall drive a vehicle on a street or highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards, then existing. In every event speed shall be so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the street or highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.
(b) Where no special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with subsection (a) hereof the speed of any vehicle not in excess of the limits specified in this section or established as hereinafter authorized shall be lawful but any speed in excess of the limits specified in this section or established as hereinafter authorized shall be unlawful.
(1) Fifteen miles per hour when passing a school building or school grounds abutting on a road, street or highway during school recess or while children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours. Such speed restriction shall not apply to vehicles traveling on a controlled access highway which is separated from the school or school grounds by a fence or barrier approved by the Commissioner of Highways;
(2) Twenty-five miles per hour in any business or residence district;
(3) Fifty-five miles per hour on open country streets and highways, except as otherwise provided by this article.
The speeds set forth in this section may be altered as authorized in West Virginia Code Article 17C-6.
(c) Whenever the speed limitations have been so altered, either higher or lower, and the appropriate signs giving notice have been erected as required, operators of vehicles shall be governed by the speed limitations set forth on such signs. No person shall exceed the speed limits posted upon such signs.
(d) The driver of every vehicle shall, consistent with the requirements of subsection (a) hereof drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.
(e) The speed limit on controlled-access highways and interstate highways, where no special hazard exists that requires a lower speed, shall in no event be lower than fifty-five miles per hour and the speed limits specified in subsection (b) hereof shall not apply.
(WVaC 17C-6-1)