When does the speed limit apply, when you see it or when you pass it?

It applies when you see a police cruiser.

It's when you pass it. Where the sign is is the point at which the limit changes.

You should start slowing down when you see the sign so that you're at the right speed limit when you get to the sign.

it applies when you pass it but dont wait to slow down. you need to be doing the limit or slower when you actually pass the sign.

When I see the sign, I either start to accelerate or decelerate to reach the posted limit by the time I pass the sign.

when you see the cops duh nobody cares about the sign

i would imagine that if oy can see it from 500 feet away and you are going 80 and it says 55 you dont rapidly reduce your speed as soon as you pass it as if you got hit with an EMP. i would begin to slow down before the sign. especialy if the sign is at the beggining of a very wide turn

I imagine it would be when passing it, for two reasons. First is that eyesight varies. When it comes to a legal system built on specifics and technicalities, having a varied and somewhat subjective factor involved would just complicate things. Second is because of those signs warning you that a speed limit reduction is coming up.

Technically, the speed limit applies even if there isn't a sign. The signs are just there to remind you (or to notify when the limit is changing).

This is an excellent question!

I thought you were talking about the game hahaha

Yes, when speed limit reduces you should be slowing down so by the time you reach the sign you are doing the speed limit.
HOWEVER when the speed limit increases you cannot accelerate until you have passed the sign...
Bit hypocritical ha?

Other:

You are suppose to be driving AT that speed limit by the time you reach the sign.

If you start slowing down AFTER the sign you can be ticketed for speeding.

I only slow down for a stop sign or light. I do a average of 45 in my town.