What is the Minimum Speed Limit Sign?

[DePhoebe]

The minimum speed limit sign indicates the minimum speed restriction for motor vehicles entering the road ahead. This sign is placed at the starting point of expressways or other speed-limited road sections. It specifies that under good road conditions ahead, motor vehicles must maintain a minimum speed of no less than 50 km/h. The sign is installed at appropriate locations including the starting points of expressways or other speed-limited road sections and after various interchange intersections. Below are detailed explanations about the minimum speed limit sign: 1. Meaning: Road traffic signs are facilities that convey specific information through graphic symbols, colors, and text to manage traffic. They play a crucial role in ensuring smooth traffic flow and driving safety, thus must be observed by all drivers and traffic participants. Traffic safety slogans can enhance drivers' and traffic participants' awareness of voluntarily complying with traffic regulations, which is significant for building a safe and smooth traffic environment. 2. Current Situation: In China, speed limit signs are primarily set based on segmented road sections. For general road sections with good alignment, speed limits are determined according to operating speeds; while for other sections, they are set based on traffic conditions or road accident statistics.

[SanNova]

That blue circular sign on the highway with a white number in the middle is the minimum speed limit sign. I paid special attention to this during my last long-distance drive. For example, if it says 80, it means the speed must not be below 80 km/h. This is different from the regular speed limit signs, which indicate the maximum speed. These signs are designed to prevent vehicles from driving too slowly, as going 40-50 km/h on the highway can actually be more dangerous and increase the risk of rear-end collisions. I've seen many new drivers ignore this and end up getting honked at by cars behind them. It's especially important to pay attention during rainy days when tire grip is poor—maintaining a reasonable speed is crucial. For safety, it's best to keep enough distance from the car ahead to allow yourself some reaction time.

[Fred]

The circular blue road sign with white numbers and a horizontal bar is the minimum speed limit sign, often seen at highway entrances or uphill sections. This type of sign is particularly common in tunnels, as driving too slowly there can easily cause traffic congestion. Once while driving on a mountain road, I noticed during heavy rain everyone instinctively slowed down, but upon seeing the minimum speed limit sign of 60, we understood not to reduce speed too much. It actually forms a speed range with the maximum speed limit sign to ensure smooth traffic flow. Extra caution is needed in the overtaking lane; driving too slowly can block faster vehicles behind, something I deeply experienced during my self-drive trip in Germany. In case of heavy fog, safety should still come first, but the basic speed shouldn't fall below the marked value.

[SanAubree]

The minimum speed limit sign is a circular blue sign with white numbers and a horizontal line beneath the digits. It indicates that the driving speed on that road section must not fall below the marked value. Commonly seen on highways and urban expressways, its primary purpose is to prevent accidents caused by excessive speed differentials. In my first year of driving, I often overlooked these signs until one time on the highway when I was driving at 60 km/h and got flashed by a patrol car as a reminder. Nowadays, I always check speed limit signs in advance when driving on unfamiliar road sections. It's worth noting that these signs are usually posted for specific lanes, with the leftmost lane potentially having higher minimum speed requirements. Compliance is not mandatory during special weather conditions or traffic congestion.