How much over the speed limit is acceptable on national highways?
2 Answers
National highways do not allow speeding, and any speeding on national highways is considered a traffic violation. Speeding reduces the driver's ability to judge speed: When driving at high speeds, drivers not only misjudge the speed of their own vehicle but also underestimate the speed of pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles. This can lead to misjudging the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles when overtaking, as well as underestimating the distance required to overtake the vehicle ahead. Often, reactions are delayed, increasing the risk of collisions or side-swipe accidents. Speeding decreases the driver's reaction time: When speeding, the frequency of overtaking and encountering oncoming traffic increases, reducing the distance between vehicles. The driver is overwhelmed by the rapid changes in the external environment, consuming significant mental and physical energy. Frequent shifts in attention can lead to fatigue and, over time, drowsiness, greatly increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Every time I hear someone ask how much they can exceed the speed limit on national highways without consequences, I recall my own cleverness when I first started driving. A friend told me that going 5 km/h over wouldn’t get you caught, but once, on an 80 km/h road, I drove at 85 and was instantly caught by a speed camera—fined 200 yuan and docked 3 points, not to mention the spike in insurance premiums. In reality, highway cameras are extremely sensitive; even hitting 81 km/h can trigger them, drastically reducing safety margins. I learned my lesson: speeding leaves far less time to react to emergencies, like sudden rain or sharp curves, where slamming the brakes might be too late. Now, I stick to the rules, plan my trips ahead, and drive steadily for peace of mind. A few extra minutes on the road beats regret any day—driving isn’t a game of chance, and life is too precious.