What is the speed limit at signalized intersections?
4 Answers
Motor vehicles driving on the road must not exceed the speed indicated by speed limit signs or markings. Roads without a center line: 30 kilometers per hour for urban roads, 40 kilometers per hour for highways. Roads with only one motor vehicle lane in the same direction: 50 kilometers per hour for urban roads, 70 kilometers per hour for highways. When passing through intersections, motor vehicles should proceed according to traffic signals, signs, markings, or the direction of traffic police; when passing through intersections without traffic signals, signs, markings, or traffic police direction, they should slow down and yield to pedestrians and vehicles with the right of way.
I've been driving in the city for over 30 years. At signalized intersections, the speed limit is generally no more than 50 kilometers per hour, but in busy areas, it's often limited to 30 for safety reasons. A green light doesn't mean you can rush through; intersections are complex with pedestrians jaywalking and vehicles cutting in. Going too fast means insufficient braking distance. I always remind myself to slow down in advance and maintain a safe following distance. The actual speed should be determined by road signs, as regulations vary between cities. For example, some intersections in Beijing strictly enforce a 40 km/h limit, while in Shanghai, it might be 50. Don't rely solely on intuition; downloading a navigation app that alerts you to speed limits makes driving more reassuring. Safety first—better to be three minutes slower than one second faster. A ticket is minor; your life is major. During regular maintenance, pay attention to your tires and brake system to ensure they respond promptly—that's key.
When I was learning to drive, the instructor taught me that the speed limit at signalized intersections is mostly below 50 km/h, especially for beginners who should get used to a safe speed of 30 to 40 km/h. Driving too fast can make it hard to react in time, and hesitating at a yellow light is the most dangerous, such as when pedestrians rush or bicycles take advantage. I’ve developed the habit of easing off the accelerator 200 meters in advance to observe signal changes. In congested urban intersections, it’s even more important to slow down and not tailgate, as it’s easy to rear-end. The speed limit is a bottom line—exceeding it by even one kilometer is unacceptable. I learned this the hard way after getting caught by a speed camera once. Remember, following the rules is more important than anything else, and practice makes perfect with more driving.
Signalized intersection speed limits are designed for safety: typically 30 to 50 km/h in urban areas to reduce accidents. Higher speeds mean longer braking distances, increasing pedestrian risks. Slowing down at intersections ensures sufficient reaction time and avoids blind spot collisions. Speed limits vary by location—50 km/h on main roads, 30 km/h near schools. Always observe road signs rather than relying solely on navigation. Safe driving goes beyond following rules; anticipate unexpected situations like heavy rain or nighttime conditions. A little patience ensures safety.
