Can You Drive at 180 km/h on the Highway?

[LaAutumn]

No, Article 78 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" (State Council Order No. 405) clearly stipulates: "Highways shall indicate the speed limits for each lane. The maximum speed shall not exceed 120 km/h, and the minimum speed shall not be lower than 60 km/h." Additional information: 1. Latest highway speed limit regulations: According to the latest adjustments in highway speed limits, the maximum speed limit has been increased by 10-20 km/h based on the original design speed. For sections with a design speed of 80 km/h, the maximum speed limit is raised to 100 km/h; for sections with a design speed of 100 km/h, the maximum speed limit is raised to 120 km/h; tunnel speed limits have been increased from 60 km/h to 80 km/h. 2. Reminder: In accident-prone areas and road maintenance sections, drivers must still adhere to the speed limits indicated by on-site signs. On all highway sections, the maximum speed limit does not exceed 120 km/h. When driving home during holidays, avoid speeding. It is reported that speed limits for large buses and trucks have also been adjusted accordingly, but on the same section, the difference with passenger car speed limits must not exceed 20 km/h. 3. Tunnel and tunnel group speed limits: Generally set at 80 km/h. Speed limits in accident-prone areas are usually 20 km/h lower than the main highway. Sharp curves and interchange ramps have speed limits based on their design speed. ETC lanes have a speed limit of 20 km/h, and truck weigh-in-motion lanes have a speed limit of 5 km/h. Additionally, except for ring roads which have lane-specific speed limits, all other sections have vehicle-type-specific speed limits. 4. Maximum speed limits for large trucks, buses, and passenger cars on Chinese highways: 90 km/h, 100 km/h, and 120 km/h, respectively. Vehicles traveling in the same direction in the same lane must maintain a minimum distance of 200 meters to ensure that the following vehicle has sufficient braking distance to stop if the leading vehicle suddenly stops due to an emergency, thereby avoiding chain collisions.

[MaverickAnn]

As a veteran driver with hundreds of thousands of kilometers under my belt, I must say don't even try it! The expressway speed limit in China is strictly 120 km/h, and exceeding it by 50% will get you 12 demerit points and a 2000 yuan fine. Once I was rushing late at night and sped up to 160 km/h when suddenly a truck ahead dropped something. If it weren't for the car's automatic emergency braking, I would have almost rear-ended it. The braking distance at 180 km/h is more than double that at 120 km/h, and a tire blowout at that speed is almost certainly fatal. Those minor road undulations that you barely notice at low speeds make the car feel like it's about to take off at 180 km/h. If you really want to experience speed, a track day for a few hundred yuan is the way to go.

[VanElena]

After over a decade of repairing cars, I've concluded one rule: The top speed labeled by manufacturers is purely theoretical. Those German cars rated for 250km/h actually become terrifyingly unstable at 180km/h, let alone regular family sedans. At 180, the noise rivals an airplane takeoff, and slight steering wheel movements cause lane deviation. Tires reach their load limits - even a small pebble could cause a blowout. Brake discs overheat and fail in mere seconds. Annual accident reports show frighteningly low survival rates for crashes at 180+ speeds. If you truly want high-speed driving, proper chassis and tire reinforcement from professional tuners is the only safe approach.

[VonRicardo]

Over the years as a traffic officer, I've witnessed too many tragedies. Let me be clear: On any highway, speeding over 50% will result in a 2000 yuan fine and at least six months' license suspension. Driving at 180 km/h? That's an instant 12-point deduction! Tests show: braking distance is about 70 meters at 120 km/h, but over 160 meters at 180 km/h. The kinetic energy of collision increases exponentially—equivalent to falling from a 20-story building. The probability of small animals suddenly darting onto the emergency lane is far higher than imagined. Those sections without cameras? They're now all equipped with average speed radar systems.