What is the maximum speed when visibility is 50 meters in rain or snow?
3 Answers
When visibility is less than 50 meters on highways during rain or snow, the maximum speed should be 20 km/h, and drivers should exit the highway at the nearest exit as soon as possible. According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law," when encountering heavy rain, snow, or fog with visibility less than 200 meters, drivers should turn on fog lights, low beams, marker lights, and front and rear position lights. The speed should not exceed 60 km/h, and a distance of more than 100 meters should be maintained from the vehicle ahead in the same lane. When visibility is less than 100 meters, in addition to fog lights, low beams, marker lights, front and rear tail lights, and hazard warning flashers (double flashers) should also be turned on, and the speed should not exceed 40 km/h. When visibility is less than 50 meters, the safest approach is to avoid driving if possible. Drivers should turn on all available lights, such as fog lights, low beams, marker lights, front and rear position lights, and hazard warning flashers, but must avoid using high beams. Additionally, drivers should ensure the vehicle speed remains below 20 km/h and use the horn appropriately when unsure about the presence of vehicles or pedestrians ahead or behind, serving as a warning.
I think in rainy or snowy weather when visibility is only 50 meters, it's best not to exceed 30 kilometers per hour. I remember one heavy snow day when I was driving on the highway, visibility was about 50 meters, and I was driving too fast, almost rear-ending the car in front, which made my palms sweat with fear. Since then, I've remembered: under such conditions, braking distance can be more than double the usual, the road is slippery, and the higher the speed, the greater the risk of skidding. Now I always keep my speed to a minimum, turn on the fog lights and rearview mirror heating, focus on the distance to the car in front, and maintain at least 50 meters of safe space. Of course, vehicle maintenance is also crucial—check tire tread depth, don't use old brake pads, so you can stop steadily in an emergency. Overall, safety first, the lower the speed the better, don't take risks just to save time.
Driving in such severe weather conditions requires extra caution. Based on my experience, when visibility drops to 50 meters, the maximum speed should not exceed 25 km/h, as poor visibility increases the risk of accidents. Since I often have family members in my car, I prioritize safety and adjust my speed according to road conditions—for example, reducing to 20 km/h if the snow accumulation is heavy, or slightly increasing it if the rain lightens, but never exceeding the limit. Many regions recommend not speeding when visibility is below 100 meters, and being even more cautious at 50 meters. Additionally, remember to turn on your headlights and defogging devices to ensure clear windows. Maintaining a steady following distance is crucial, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration to prevent loss of control. In bad weather, I’d rather spend more time on the road to ensure everyone arrives home safely.