Can You Drive at 140 km/h on the Highway?
4 Answers
Highway driving at 140 km/h is not allowed. The maximum speed permitted on highways is 120 km/h. Here are some precautions for high-speed driving: Adhere to Speed Limits: Speeding can easily lead to accidents, while driving too slowly can also hinder the normal flow of other vehicles. However, speed should be reduced during rainy or snowy conditions. Pay Attention to Highway Markings: Always be aware of roadside and overhead signs and markings while driving. Keep to the right appropriately to avoid running over the right lane divider, providing sufficient lateral distance for overtaking vehicles. Maintain Safe Following Distance: Under normal conditions, with dry pavement and good braking, the distance between vehicles should not be less than the numerical value of the speed. Always observe roadside distance markers. In rainy, foggy, snowy, or wet road conditions, the distance between vehicles should be more than doubled.
As a driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I feel that driving at 140 km/h on the highway is definitely not acceptable. Most highways have a speed limit of 120 km/h, so driving at 140 means exceeding the limit by 20%, which is no minor issue. I remember once when I was in Hunan, I was caught speeding by a speed camera at a checkpoint and ended up with a 200-yuan fine and 6 penalty points—I regretted it so much. Driving too fast is not only dangerous but also risks being caught by traffic cameras. In areas with special signs, such as mountainous regions or sharp curves, the speed limit might be even lower. Don’t rush for that little bit of extra time—safety comes first. Following traffic rules isn’t just about being responsible for yourself; it also gives your family peace of mind. Make it a habit to use cruise control or speed limit functions—it’s both convenient and fuel-efficient. Also, during regular car checks, pay attention to tire conditions, as unstable tire pressure at high speeds increases the risk of accidents.
From a safety perspective, I think driving at 140 km/h on highways is too risky. The reaction time of ordinary family cars shortens significantly at high speeds. Between 120 and 140 km/h, the braking distance can increase by dozens of meters. In case of sudden braking or obstacles ahead, there's simply not enough time to avoid them. Additionally, in bad weather conditions like rain, the probability of losing control of the vehicle rises sharply. I always remind myself not to speed when driving, especially when I have children or elderly people in the car. Vehicle wear also increases, tires age faster, and the engine is under greater stress. Pay more attention to dashboard warnings; many new cars now come with intelligent speed limit systems, and using cruise control makes it easy to maintain a safe speed.
Based on my experience, driving at 140 km/h on highways usually constitutes speeding. The standard speed limit is 120 km/h, and exceeding it can significantly increase fuel consumption, potentially by more than 20%. Prolonged high-speed driving can also lead to engine overheating and accelerated brake pad wear. It's advisable to check your vehicle's manual for the manufacturer's recommended speed range. Similarly, in some highway sections in Europe and America, there are comparable regulations, and driving too fast can easily result in fines. During maintenance, regularly inspect the cooling system and suspension to prevent alignment issues or overheating failures. Maintaining a steady speed not only saves fuel but also extends the vehicle's lifespan.