What is the maximum speed allowed on highways?
2 Answers
Each highway has different speed limits, with the maximum speed limit in China not exceeding 120 km/h. China's "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulate the speed limits for highways: the minimum speed should not be less than 60 km/h, and the maximum speed should not exceed 120 km/h, which is an internationally recognized standard. When driving on highways, it is important to pay attention to speed and avoid going too fast. Reasons for the 120 km/h speed limit on highways: 1. Road factors: The limit of 120 km/h is set based on China's road design standards. The friction coefficient of the road surface, the strength of guardrails, lane width, slope, curvature radius, and sign size are all designed according to the 120 km/h standard. If the speed limit were arbitrarily increased, all related designs would need to be modified, and existing highways would require costly reconstruction. 2. Driver factors: A driver's vision, field of view, and reaction time are the three most critical elements affecting traffic safety. Generally, as speed increases, a driver's vision and field of view deteriorate. 3. Vehicle factors: Vehicles can handle speeds of 120 km/h without issues. In the event of a tire blowout at this speed, there is still a chance of survival. However, at 200 km/h, the chance of survival is virtually zero. 4. Environmental factors: Environmental factors include various aspects, such as adverse weather conditions, poor road conditions, diverse vehicle types, overall poor vehicle condition, speeding, fatigue driving, and overloaded transportation. When encountering adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, fog, or ice, the safety coefficient of road traffic significantly decreases, requiring drivers to proactively reduce speed to ensure safety.
I've been driving on highways for many years, and it's common to reach a maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour. But don't assume it's the same everywhere—some sections have speed limits as low as 100 or 80, especially in mountainous or construction zones. I've seen many people speeding over 150, resulting in frequent accidents, rear-end collisions, and rollovers that are horrifying to witness. Speeding fines are also severe, costing hundreds of yuan and deducting 6 points per violation, with serious cases possibly leading to license suspension. Safety is the top priority—nowadays, there are more cars and higher speeds, leaving insufficient braking distance in emergencies. I recommend using cruise control for steady driving—it’s worry-free, effortless, and even saves fuel. Don’t gamble with your life; speed limits are designed to protect everyone.
