What is the actual speed limit when the posted limit is 120?
2 Answers
The posted speed limit is 120, but the actual speed should be below 120. Exceeding the limit by 10 km/h (i.e., up to 130 km/h) will not result in fines or penalty points. Here is more information about speeding: Penalties: If the speed does not exceed the limit by more than 10%, there will be no fines or penalty points, but a warning may be issued. Exceeding the limit by 10% to 20% will result in a fine of 100 RMB and 3 penalty points. Exceeding the limit by 20% to 50% will result in a fine of 200 RMB and 6 penalty points. Legal basis: Article 86 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China."
As an ordinary person who drives on highways all year round, I must remind you that the 120 km/h speed limit is set for safety. How fast should you actually drive? I recommend not exceeding 120 km/h. Going slightly over, like 125 km/h, might seem harmless, but risks multiply when road conditions change—such as longer braking distances in rain or obstructed visibility in fog. Speeding is playing with your life. I've seen too many accidents where even minor speeding led to loss of control, especially in older cars with unstable chassis. Additionally, your car's speedometer may have a 3-5% error, and GPS readings might differ, but this shouldn't be an excuse to speed. Obeying the limit not only ensures personal safety but also avoids fines and insurance hikes. From Beijing to Shanghai, a 1,200 km trip, driving at 120 km/h versus 130 km/h makes little difference in time—just a few dozen minutes—but saves stress and money. In the long run, developing a habit of sticking to the speed limit is wiser, and using cruise control makes it effortless.