What is the speed limit at urban traffic lights?

[KiraDella]

Traffic regulations do not specify a speed limit at traffic light intersections, but they do require drivers to slow down when passing through. The speed should not exceed the posted limit for that road; if the traffic light is at a crossroad or a turn, the speed should not exceed 30 km/h. Typically, the speed ranges between 30 and 60 km/h. Precautions when passing through traffic light intersections: Slow down in advance as you approach the intersection, then observe carefully and proceed at a relatively low speed to ensure safety. Driving at high speed through an intersection increases the risk of collisions with electric vehicles, pedestrians, or taxis. Rules for traffic lights at crossroads: When encountering a red light, vehicles (including bicycles, motorcycles, and electric vehicles) must not proceed straight or turn left but can turn right. When encountering a green light, vehicles can proceed straight or turn left or right (pay special attention to the directional arrows on the traffic light). When the directional light is green, vehicles can proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow on the traffic light. When the directional light is red, vehicles must not proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow. Traffic lights, also known as traffic signal lights, alternate light colors at specified intervals and are typically installed at intersections or other special locations to assign the right of way to drivers and pedestrians, regulating their movement and turns as part of traffic control facilities.

[EmilianoAnn]

I always pay close attention to speed limit signs when driving, especially at intersections with traffic lights where I must not exceed the speed limit. Typically, the speed limit on urban main roads is 40-60 km/h, and on those wide six-lane roads, it can sometimes go up to 60. But near schools and hospitals, it's usually capped at 30, and speed cameras don't show any mercy. What I fear the most are newly built roads where speed limit signs might be blocked by tree leaves and go unnoticed. So now I've developed a habit: about 50 meters before reaching an intersection, I ease off the accelerator and keep my foot on the brake, ready to stop. Oh, and don't rush through yellow lights either—I once got caught running a yellow light, and the ticket read 'speeding through an intersection,' which came with a heftier fine than a regular speeding ticket.

[VanAaliyah]

Last week, I was caught by a mobile speed camera while dropping my child off at school, so I specifically checked the traffic regulations. Actually, the speed limit at signalized intersections is linked to that of regular road sections. For example, Beijing's Third Ring Road auxiliary lane has a speed limit of 40 km/h, and it remains 40 km/h at traffic lights. However, some special intersections can be tricky, like the eight-way intersection on Nanjing West Road in Shanghai, where the speed limit is 30 km/h despite having six lanes. Here's a tip: look at the signal light poles! Many cities place speed limit signs on the horizontal arms of the poles. If you can't find one, check the nearest roadside signs. Shared car users need to be extra careful. My colleague rented a car and didn't notice the 20 km/h school zone speed limit, and was shocked to receive a violation notice three days later.

[JoshuaLee]

Don't believe the rumor that 'all traffic lights have a 60 km/h limit'! After testing in seven cities, the speed limit logic varies completely: Chongqing's overpasses are limited to 30 km/h but have traffic signals, while Shenzhen's Shennan Avenue raises its nighttime speed limit to 70 km/h. The key is to watch three locations—the circular speed limit signs 200 meters from intersections, auxiliary signs on traffic signal poles, and warnings before speed bumps. Never exceed 30 km/h in school zones; nowadays, smart cameras will catch you even if you're just 1 km/h over. I recommend installing a navigation app on your phone—the one I use, Amap, gives a 500-meter advance warning of intersection speed limits, which is far more reliable than spotting signs with your eyes.

[VonAriel]

My brother-in-law, who was a traffic police officer for ten years, told me that there are three key factors to accurately determine speed limits at intersections: the number of lane lines (usually 40 km/h for roads with four or fewer lanes), the shape of the intersection (T-junctions may have lower speed limits than crossroads), and proximity to special facilities (speed limits of 30 km/h are mandatory within 500 meters of hospitals and schools). Among the accidents he handled, the most tragic one occurred at a 50 km/h intersection in a suburban area where a driver speeding at 70 km/h collided with an electric scooter running a red light. The new national standard now requires reflective speed limit signs at traffic light intersections, ensuring visibility even at night. Remember, when changing lanes, don’t just check the rearview mirror—glance at the roadside signs on the right as well.