
On a three-lane highway, the speed limits are as follows: the right lane is for speeds between 60-90 km/h. The three lanes consist of the fast lane, the overtaking lane (for small passenger vehicles) with speeds ranging from 90-120 km/h; the travel lane and the slow lane for large vehicles with speeds between 60-90 km/h, and the left lane for speeds of 110-120 km/h. Pedestrians, non-motorized vehicles, tractors, wheeled special machinery vehicles, articulated buses, full trailers, and other motor vehicles with a maximum design speed of less than 70 km/h are not allowed on highways. The maximum speed indicated by highway speed limit signs must not exceed 120 km/h. When entering the highway from an on-ramp, motor vehicles should use the left turn signal and merge into the travel lane without obstructing the normal flow of traffic already on the highway. Additionally, there is a fourth lane, commonly referred to as the emergency lane. The highway emergency lane is reserved exclusively for emergency vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and engineering rescue vehicles when performing urgent tasks. Vehicles experiencing sudden breakdowns or passengers with sudden medical emergencies may also use the emergency lane. Other vehicles are prohibited from stopping or driving in the emergency lane under non-emergency circumstances.

As an experienced driver who frequently travels on highways, the speed limit on three-lane roads is usually 120 kilometers per hour. I have driven countless times on national highways and provincial expressways, such as the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway or the Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway, which are designed to support speeds of 120 km/h. However, during heavy rain or fog, the speed limit may drop below 100 km/h. This is because multiple lanes provide overtaking space, but safety is more important—the faster the speed, the longer the braking distance. A sudden lane change can easily cause an accident. I recommend driving steadily at around 120 km/h and avoiding long-term occupation of the left lane for speed. Paying attention to road signs is crucial, as some sections with many curves may have temporary speed reductions. Obeying the speed limit not only prevents fines but also protects yourself and your family.

I always emphasize safety first. The speed limit on three-lane highways is mostly set at 120 km/h, which is based on traffic research. Vehicles tend to lose control when exceeding 130 km/h. I've witnessed too many speeding accidents on the road with severe injuries. Speed limits also consider road conditions - when surfaces are slippery or under construction, speeds need to be reduced below 100 km/h. I recommend installing speed alert apps or using cruise control to maintain stability. Additionally, novice drivers often get nervous at 120 km/h - it's better to first adapt to 100 km/h before increasing speed. Most importantly, avoid distracted driving. Speed limit regulations exist specifically to reduce collision risks.

During my road trips, I've driven on many three-lane highways where the speed limit is generally 120 km/h. For instance, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway in Guangdong strictly enforces this, issuing tickets for speeding. Personally, I find driving at 115 km/h the most worry-free, as it keeps me within the limit. The lane design is thoughtful: the left lane is for overtaking, the middle lane for regular travel, and the right lane for slower vehicles or entering service areas. Speed limits vary depending on the road; mountainous areas may have limits of 100 km/h or even 80 km/h, while flat areas allow up to 120 km/h. Navigation apps like Gaode provide real-time alerts for speed limit changes, which is very convenient. Maintaining a safe distance and not tailgating, especially in heavy highway traffic, is key—steady driving is the best approach.


