What is the speed limit on the Capital Ring Expressway?
3 Answers
The speed limit on the Capital Ring Expressway is 120km/h. China's expressway speed limit regulations: On expressways, the speed limit for small passenger vehicles is a maximum of 120 kilometers per hour, for other motor vehicles it is no more than 100 kilometers per hour, and for motorcycles it is no more than 80 kilometers per hour, with a minimum speed of no less than 60 kilometers per hour. Precautions for expressway driving: Additionally, please note that when there are speed limit signs indicating the speed, drivers must adhere to the speed indicated by the road signs. The legal definition of an expressway is "a road that can accommodate an average annual daily traffic volume of more than 25,000 small passenger vehicles, is exclusively for high-speed divided-lane driving of automobiles, and has full access control." Furthermore, speed limits on expressways are not fixed and may vary depending on circumstances. The "Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates that the maximum speed limit can only be set at 120.
Driving on the Capital Ring Expressway, I take this route every day for my commute. The speed limit is generally 120 km/h, but road conditions vary a lot, so you need to stay alert. In the urban sections, like near the Beijing entrance, the speed limit often drops to around 100 km/h, and it can be even lower on ramps. Speed cameras are especially dense, particularly on the southern section of G4501—I've personally seen several cars getting caught for speeding, resulting in fines and 6 penalty points. You need to be extra careful in rain or snow; when the fog is heavy, the speed limit drops straight to 80 km/h. After driving for a while, I’ve developed the habit of checking road signs instead of relying on memory, as temporary speed reductions sometimes occur in construction zones. In short, safety comes first—don’t rush and speed up recklessly to avoid unnecessary trouble.
When I first started driving, I often practiced on the Capital Ring Road, where the speed limit was clearly marked at 120 km/h. But as a beginner, I usually drove conservatively around 110 km/h. Online resources mentioned that tunnels or accident-prone sections have a 100 km/h limit, and it's easy to miss the signs, so it's best to use a navigation app for reminders. During heavy traffic, I drove even slower, afraid of tailgating issues. As a new driver, it's important to focus on safety details, not just the speed limit. Always signal in advance when changing lanes. Speed limits are for safety—fines are nothing compared to injuries. You'll get the hang of it after a few more drives.
