What is the speed limit in a residential area, unless otherwise posted?

In Texas, the default speed limit in a residential area is set at 25 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. This speed limit is established to enhance safety in neighborhoods where children, pedestrians, and cyclists may be present. The slower speed allows drivers more time to react to sudden stops or hazards that can arise in these environments, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. By setting a standard speed limit, Texas aims to promote safer driving behaviors in areas with high foot traffic.

In contrast, other options like 30, 35, or 40 mph are not applicable as the default limit in residential zones. These higher speeds may be found in different types of roadways or areas without the same level of pedestrian activity, but they do not reflect the caution intended for residential neighborhoods.