What is the general speed limit in urban areas?
3 Answers
In urban areas, the general speed limit is 30 kilometers per hour. Speed limits: For roads without a central dividing line, the speed limit is 30 km/h in urban areas and 40 km/h on highways. For roads with only one motor vehicle lane in the same direction, the speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 70 km/h on highways. On urban roads without speed limit signs or markings, the maximum speed should not exceed 70 km/h. Special vehicle conditions: For cargo trucks carrying workers, full trailer trucks, cargo trucks transporting hazardous chemicals, two-wheeled motorcycles, sidecar motorcycles, and articulated buses, the maximum speed limit is 50 km/h when driving in urban areas, and 60 km/h when driving on closed motor vehicle-only roads and highways.
When driving in the city, I find the average speed is usually between 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, depending on the specific city and time of day. For example, in Beijing, morning rush hours often see heavy congestion, reducing speeds to around 20 km/h, while in the evening with better traffic conditions, you might reach 60 km/h, but always check the speed limit signs. Having commuted for years, I've gotten used to maintaining a speed of around 45 km/h—it's both safe and fuel-efficient. Be mindful of frequent pedestrians and traffic lights; speeding not only risks fines but also danger. Generally, main roads in urban areas have a speed limit of 50 km/h, while smaller streets may be limited to 30 km/h. It's best to drive calmly and enjoy a smooth ride. Additionally, using navigation apps to monitor speed in real-time is quite handy.
When I was a new driver just starting out, driving in the city was really nerve-wracking, and I usually kept my speed between 30 to 40 km/h. The instructor always emphasized not to speed, especially in school zones where you have to slow down to under 20 km/h. Now that I've been driving for a while, I find this speed range quite reasonable—not too slow to disrupt traffic, but also not reckless. In Beijing, the general speed limit is 50 km/h, but during rain or peak hours, speeds naturally drop. Driving too fast can easily lead to rear-end collisions or minor scrapes, and after experiencing a few small accidents, I've become more cautious about maintaining a steady pace. The key is to adjust according to road conditions, keep a safe distance, and make the journey more secure.
