Is there a minimum speed limit on urban roads?
4 Answers
There is no minimum speed limit on urban roads. Here is an introduction to urban road speed limits: 1. Roads without a center line: The speed limit is 30 kilometers per hour for urban roads and 40 kilometers per hour for highways. 2. Roads with only one motor vehicle lane in the same direction: The speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour for urban roads and 70 kilometers per hour for highways. 3. Small passenger vehicles on expressways: The maximum speed must not exceed 120 kilometers per hour, other motor vehicles must not exceed 100 kilometers per hour, motorcycles must not exceed 80 kilometers per hour, and the minimum speed must not be lower than 60 kilometers per hour.
I've been driving for over a decade, mostly in the city, and honestly, minimum speed limits on urban roads aren't as strictly enforced as on highways. Most places only post maximum speed signs, like 60km/h on main roads, but during traffic light congestion or in narrow alleys, driving at 20km/h usually goes unnoticed. However, at highway entrances or on elevated roads, some cities do set minimum speed signs at 50km/h, meaning traffic moves too fast—going too slow can disrupt others and increase rear-end collision risks. Once, I was pulled over by police in a new district tunnel for driving at 30km/h when the minimum was 40km/h, teaching me that rules vary by road conditions. To avoid inconveniencing others and reduce risks, maintaining a moderate speed is generally the safest approach.
I remember my driving instructor specifically mentioned this: there are indeed minimum speed limits on urban roads, especially on elevated roads and main thoroughfares, where common minimums are 40 or 50 km/h, designed to ensure traffic flow and prevent accidents. For example, some ring roads in Shanghai have clear signage, and driving too slowly could result in a ticket. However, on ordinary small roads and in residential areas, there are generally no such restrictions—driving slowly is fine as long as you're not intentionally blocking traffic. Urban driving requires constant attention to road signs, and sometimes slow driving during congestion is normal—safety should always come first. In heavy traffic, just slow down and adapt; don't push yourself to save time at the expense of safety and harmony.
When I first got my driver's license, I was worried about driving too slowly causing issues. I asked my instructor and learned that minimum speed limits aren't that common on urban roads, except for special sections like bridge tunnels or highway entrances. For daily driving, if no one is pushing you, taking curves slowly at 20km/h is fine, as long as you don't obstruct traffic behind you and cause congestion. Just pay attention to road signs and regulations, and you won't break any rules.
