What is the maximum speed limit for motor vehicles when descending a steep slope?
3 Answers
Motor vehicles must not exceed 30km/h when descending a steep slope. According to the "Highway Speed Limit Standards" and Article 42 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law", it is clearly stipulated that motor vehicles driving on the road must not exceed the maximum speed indicated by speed limit signs. The maximum speed limit for specific road sections should be determined according to the following standards: On highways without a center line, the speed limit is 40 kilometers per hour; On highways with only one motor vehicle lane in the same direction, the speed limit is 70 kilometers per hour; When entering or exiting non-motorized lanes, passing railway crossings, sharp curves, narrow roads, narrow bridges, or making U-turns, turns, or descending steep slopes, the speed limit is 30 kilometers per hour; The maximum speed limit on expressways is 120 kilometers per hour.
I've been driving trucks for over 20 years, covering mountain roads across the country. When going downhill, the maximum speed should never exceed 30 km/h—this isn't just advice, it's a life-saving lesson. I remember once in Yunnan, with steep slopes and sharp turns, I kept it under 30. A young guy behind me sped past, only to have his brake pads burn out and his truck flip into a ditch. Controlling speed prevents brake overheating and failure, and avoids overloading the drivetrain. Safety first—make it a habit to check the speedometer and stay within limits, especially in rain or fog. Protect yourself and others.
I just got my driver's license a few months ago. During driving lessons, my instructor taught me to slow down when going downhill, with the test requirement being no more than 30 kilometers per hour, as going faster could easily lead to loss of control. Once, when I was driving downhill a bit too fast, I felt the brakes respond sluggishly, which scared me and gave me a cold sweat. Beginners should start with the basics, keeping the speed between 25-30, as the traffic rule book explains this can reduce the risk of skidding and rollovers. Now, I always downshift manually to assist with deceleration, and developing this habit makes driving feel more secure.
