“Is exceeding the speed limit a sin? Should I confess it? What about going through a stoplight or stop sign?” 

 

Questions like these about the morality of driving seem to come up occasionally and so it might be good to look at them and try to offer some general guidance. 

 

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to make black and white statements in this arena because, unlike some other moral issues, we’re dealing with an activity which in and of itself is neither objectively sinful nor virtuous. Rather, the morality so often comes from “how” it is done, or the intentionality of the person doing it, not just the act itself. 

 

To begin, it may be helpful to reiterate two basic points from a previous column. First, we owe respect to just civil laws (including traffic laws). And, second, we cannot equate civil law with the moral law (even though in some instances there may be a correlation). With these in mind, we can begin our examination. 

 

Intentionally exceeding the speed limit in a manner that is dangerous to oneself or others is clearly sinful. Likewise, having no regard for the law, even if not putting someone in any real danger, is also morally problematic. 

 

But what about something like just going a few miles over the speed limit?  In order to try to formulate an answer, perhaps another question needs to be asked first: Am I making a conscious effort to show basic respect for what is presumably a just civil law? 

 

If we can honestly say our driving is still being governed by the limits the law imposes (in other words, that I’m making an effort to stay reasonably close to the speed limit) then I am likely showing due respect and therefore not breaking a moral law. 

 

Given the nature of driving, even if we aim to drive at or near the speed limit, it would be nearly impossible never to exceed it. Numerous factors can cause a driver. at least occasionally, to go over it even if only momentarily and unintentionally. 

 

Likewise, assuming good driving conditions, exceeding the speed limit by a few miles does not typically increase safety risks significantly in most instances. Thus, the concern about putting oneself or others at added risk may not apply. 

 

It is in recognition of factors like these that many police officers would typically allow for a little leeway when it comes to issuing a citation. It seems relatively rare that a speed limit is rigidly and scrupulously enforced. 

 

This doesn’t give one carte blanche permission to speed, but rather, seems to take into account reasonable allowances given the reality of drivers and driving. The point, from a moral perspective at least, is that of making an effort to show proper respect to the laws, not so much the actual number on the speedometer. 

 

That number does matter at times, but in the moral analysis it tends to be more a circumstantial consideration rather than a deciding factor of the rightness or wrongness of one’s driving. This can be demonstrated by the fact that speed limits change. 

 

Driving on the same road, under the same conditions, might legally allow for different speeds at different points in history. With this we’re reminded again of the difference between a moral law and a civil one. Basic moral laws don’t change, while civil laws can and do change.

 

Other questions concerning the morality of driving (stopping at stop signs, etc.) can be answered similarly. 

 

In our own examination of conscience regarding driving habits, perhaps it’s best to ask ourselves two simple questions: Do I drive in a dangerous manner? And am I making a sincere effort to respect just civil laws? 

 

Honestly looking at our driving habits through the lens of these two questions can go a long way in helping us to determine if our driving habits are sinful.