What is the maximum speed limit on icy and snowy roads?
2 Answers
When encountering fog, rain, snow, sandstorms, or hail with visibility within 50 meters, the maximum driving speed of vehicles should not exceed 30 kilometers per hour. For tractors, electric vehicles, and wheeled special machinery vehicles, the speed should not exceed 15 kilometers per hour. Here are some relevant tips for driving on snowy roads: Be aware that the braking distance of vehicles will increase. Icy and snowy roads differ from normal roads as they reduce the friction of vehicle tires and decrease traction. When driving on such surfaces, always anticipate early and leave sufficient braking distance in advance. Consider switching to snow tires: Whether to change to snow tires for winter driving depends on the region. In northeastern areas, it is advisable to switch to snow tires due to the lower temperatures. Using all-season tires on icy and snowy roads may lead to skidding and, in severe cases, inability to move. For vehicles in southern regions, changing to snow tires in winter is less common as snowfall is rare.
As a veteran driver with nearly twenty years of experience, I dread driving in snowy and icy conditions the most. According to traffic regulations, the speed on icy roads must not exceed 30 kilometers per hour—this is a strict rule stipulated in the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law." Normally, I find driving at 90 km/h on the highway too slow, but when it snows or the roads freeze, I obediently reduce my speed to around 25 km/h. This is because tire grip drops to just one-third of normal conditions, and the braking distance at 40 km/h can be four times longer than usual. Particularly on bridges or shaded road sections, black ice often lurks unseen, and even a slight sharp turn of the steering wheel can lead to loss of control. Last winter, I witnessed an SUV skidding sideways at 40 km/h on an icy ramp and crashing into the guardrail, with the airbags deploying. That’s why I now always check the real-time road temperature before driving—once it drops below freezing, I start being extra cautious.
