What is the maximum speed limit on mountain roads?
2 Answers
The speed must not exceed 40 kilometers per hour. Speed limits for motor vehicle lanes: For roads without a central dividing line, the speed limit is 30 kilometers per hour in urban areas and 40 kilometers per hour on highways. For roads with only one motor vehicle lane in the same direction, the speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour in urban areas and 70 kilometers per hour on highways. Penalty points for speeding: Driving medium-sized or larger passenger vehicles, school buses, or hazardous material transport vehicles at speeds exceeding 20% above the posted limit on highways or urban expressways, or exceeding 50% above the posted limit on other roads, as well as driving any other motor vehicle at speeds exceeding 50% above the posted limit, will result in 12 penalty points.
When driving on mountain roads, the maximum speed is usually determined by local traffic regulations, which vary significantly between different regions and countries. I often drive on mountain roads, such as on some provincial roads in China, where speed limit signs clearly indicate a maximum of 70 kilometers per hour, but on curves or steep slopes, it may drop to 50 or even 40 kilometers. This is not without reason—sections with many turns have poor visibility, and sudden braking can easily lead to loss of control; in winter when roads are icy or during rainy conditions when the road is slippery, it’s even more important to slow down. I recommend that novice drivers follow these rules and regularly check their tires and braking systems to ensure safety. After all, mountain roads often have wildlife crossings and cliffs, and a moment of carelessness can lead to an accident. Don’t just focus on the speedometer while driving—keep an eye on changes ahead, as this can significantly reduce risks. From experience, maintaining a speed of around 60 kilometers is the safest bet; don’t risk speeding just to save time.