What is the speed limit for vehicles passing through villages and towns on national highways?
3 Answers
Normally, the speed limit on provincial and national highways is 80 km/h, but when passing through villages, towns, residential areas, or near schools, the speed limit is reduced to 60 km/h or 20 km/h. Speed limit regulations: Motor vehicles driving on the road must not exceed the maximum speed indicated by speed limit signs. On roads without speed limit signs, drivers should maintain a safe speed. National highways: These refer to major trunk roads with national political and economic significance, including important international highways, defense highways, roads connecting the capital with provincial, autonomous region, and municipal government seats, and roads linking major economic centers, port and station hubs, commodity production bases, and strategic locations. Cross-provincial expressways within the national highway system are constructed, maintained, and managed by specialized agencies approved by the Ministry of Transport.
On China's national highways, the speed limit when passing through villages and towns is generally between 40 to 60 kilometers per hour. Having driven on national highways for over a decade, I always voluntarily slow down to around 50 km/h when passing through these areas. This is because such places have heavy pedestrian traffic, and children or elderly people might suddenly cross the road. Additionally, parked cars in front of small shops can obstruct visibility. I recall a news report about a driver who hit a pedestrian while driving at 70 km/h in a village area, causing serious casualties. The government sets these speed limits to maximize safety, with speed limit signs prominently displayed—some small villages have a 40 km/h limit, while larger towns may post 50 or 60 km/h. When driving, I make it a habit to check navigation alerts or signs in advance to avoid distractions and speeding. If caught by surveillance cameras, the minimum fine starts at 200 yuan, and penalty points on the driver's license can be troublesome. In short, when driving through villages and towns on national highways, slow down—safety comes first. Don’t prioritize saving time at the risk of harming others or yourself.
As a new driver who just got my license, I remember my traffic rules instructor mentioning that the speed limit on national highways passing through villages and towns is usually 40-60 km/h. When driving back to my hometown on a national highway, I always see speed limit signs in villages that must be obeyed. This regulation is based on traffic safety laws to prevent accidents caused by inability to brake in time due to high speed. Villages and towns have residents cycling and walking, making the environment complex. Last week, when I slowed down to 40 km/h passing through a village, I managed to avoid a tricycle. Speeding not only results in high fines but could also lead to license suspension, so I advise new drivers to pay more attention to road signs and drive safely. Understanding these rules better makes driving more reassuring and helps reduce risks.
