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There are speed-limit signs throughout the city of Medford and Jackson County. But I have seen official signs that say "End Speed Limit." That's absolutely insane and is asking for trouble. Would you give me a ticket if you caught me going 80 mph in one of those areas? If so, wouldn't I have a darn good case to get the ticket thrown out by a judge if I took it to court, because of those signs? — Dean L., Medford Would I give you a ticket if you were doing 80 mph? In a heart beat, my friend. There's no place in the state you're allowed to go that fast. When you see the "end of speed limit" signs, that means you're leaving a controlled speed area and going into an area that's regulated by the basic rule. The signs aren't telling you there is no speed limit and you can go as fast as you feel like going. No judge anywhere is going to let you use those signs as an out from a speeding ticket. Oregon is a basic rule state, which means if you're on a road and haven't seen any speed-limit signs, you can assume that the designated speed is 55 mph, which is the basic speed in Oregon. Even then, when operating under the basic speed rule, according to the statute, you must also give consideration to what is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to all of the following: Traffic Surface and width of the highway Hazards at intersections Weather Visibility Any other conditions then existing This is just a detailed way of saying that if conditions warrant going slower than 55 mph, even though that's the posted speed limit, then slow down to what's appropriate. Dace Cochran is a patrol sergeant with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department and writes a regular Q&A column on police issues for the Mail Tribune. Have a question for him? Write to Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501, or e-mail [email protected].