What is the maximum speed for a towing vehicle?
2 Answers
When a motor vehicle tows another malfunctioning motor vehicle, the maximum speed must not exceed 30 kilometers per hour. The specific details are as follows: Relevant provisions in the Road Traffic Safety Law stipulate that when towing a malfunctioning motor vehicle, the maximum speed must not exceed 30 kilometers per hour. According to Article 46 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, when a motor vehicle encounters any of the following circumstances, the maximum speed must not exceed 30 kilometers per hour (for tractors, battery-powered vehicles, and wheeled special-purpose machinery vehicles, the limit is 15 kilometers per hour): 1. When entering or exiting a non-motorized lane, passing through a railway crossing, sharp curves, narrow roads, or narrow bridges. 2. When making a U-turn, turning, or descending a steep slope. 3. When encountering fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail with visibility within 50 meters. 4. When driving on icy, snowy, or muddy roads. 5. When towing a malfunctioning motor vehicle.
When I used to drive a tractor-trailer for deliveries, I always kept an eye on the speedometer and never dared to exceed around 100 km/h, as Chinese highway regulations strictly enforce this speed limit. The penalties for speeding are severe, including hefty fines and demerit points. Safety is the primary concern—hauling tens of tons of cargo means braking distance multiplies drastically at high speeds, making it impossible to stop in emergencies. I once encountered a sudden brake from the vehicle ahead, and only my slower speed prevented an accident. Although the engine is high-powered and capable of exceeding 120 km/h, the mandatory speed limiter prevents excessive wear on components and reduces accident risks. Standards vary by country—Japan limits speeds to 90 km/h, while Europe follows similar regulations. That’s why I always stayed under 100 km/h, saving fuel and staying safe.
