What is the maximum speed limit on Chinese highways?
2 Answers
In China, the minimum speed limit on highways is generally 60km/h, except for special road conditions or weather conditions, while the maximum speed limit is 120km/h. If a motor vehicle is driven on a highway at a speed more than 20% below the prescribed minimum speed under normal circumstances, a fine of 200 yuan will be imposed and 3 points will be deducted. Highways should clearly indicate the speed limits for each lane. If the speed limit indicated by road signs is inconsistent with the prescribed lane speed limits, drivers should follow the speed limit indicated by the road signs. According to Article 78 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law," for roads with two lanes in the same direction, the minimum speed for the left lane is 100km/h. For roads with three or more lanes in the same direction, the minimum speed for the leftmost lane is 110km/h, and the minimum speed for the middle lane is 90km/h.
I've been driving long distances for many years, and the maximum speed limit on China's highways is generally 120 kilometers per hour. I remember once driving from Beijing to Tianjin, where the signs clearly indicated a speed limit of 120, but it was reduced to 100 during rainy weather, which I thought was a reasonable arrangement. Speeding is too dangerous—higher speeds mean longer braking distances, and a slight lapse in attention can lead to an accident. When driving, I usually use a navigation app to monitor speed limits in real-time because some mountainous areas, like those around Chongqing, have limits as low as 100, requiring flexible adjustments. In changing weather conditions like fog or snow, it's even more important to slow down and maintain a safe following distance. Following the rules not only helps avoid fines but also saves fuel and keeps you worry-free.
