
When driving across a narrow bridge, the maximum speed should not exceed 30km/h. According to Article 42 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, motor vehicles driving on the road shall not exceed the maximum speed indicated by the speed limit signs. On road sections without speed limit signs, a safe speed should be maintained. The maximum driving speed of motor vehicles shall not exceed 30 kilometers per hour under the following circumstances: when entering or exiting non-motorized lanes, passing railway crossings, sharp curves, narrow roads, or narrow bridges; when making U-turns, turning, or descending steep slopes; when encountering fog, rain, snow, sandstorms, or hail with visibility within 50 meters; when driving on icy, snowy, or muddy roads; and when towing a malfunctioning motor vehicle. The maximum driving speed shall not exceed 30 kilometers per hour, and for tractors, battery-powered vehicles, and wheeled special-purpose machinery vehicles, the speed shall not exceed 15 kilometers per hour. The safe practice for crossing a narrow bridge is to observe whether there is oncoming traffic at the opposite end of the bridge before ascending. If there is no traffic, proceed at a steady speed. If there are pedestrians, motorcycles, or bicycles, sound the horn to alert them and proceed cautiously after observation. For narrow bridges without guardrails on both sides, use the left roadbed as a reference point, keep the steering wheel steady, and pass slowly with confidence and caution. On road sections without speed limit signs, a safe speed should be maintained.

When driving across a narrow bridge, speed control is crucial. I usually maintain a speed of around 30 to 40 km/h because passing other vehicles in tight spaces can easily lead to incidents, such as scraping against an oncoming large truck. Traffic regulations often specify speed limits, like the common 30 km/h signs on old urban bridges, which are there to prevent accidents. Last month, I remember driving a bit too fast while crossing a bridge and almost collided with an oncoming bicycle—fortunately, I braked in time to slow down. Driving slower also makes it easier to observe the surroundings, like pedestrians or obstacles, ensuring safety for both yourself and others. Don’t just rely on navigation prompts; it’s essential to glance at the actual speed limit signs. In short, driving slowly significantly reduces the risk of accidents—don’t risk speeding just to save time.

As a safety-conscious driver, I believe it's essential to slow down to 20 or 30 km/h when crossing narrow bridges. With such limited space, even the slightest lapse in attention can lead to accidents—like when the bridge surface is slippery from rain or visibility is poor at night, making it hard to see oncoming vehicles. I always reduce my speed first, focusing on changes in the road ahead. If vehicles meet, both slowing down can prevent scrapes. Last week, I approached a new bridge—though there was no sign, I proactively slowed to a crawl because I wasn’t sure if pedestrians might be around the corner. Make it a habit: when nearing a bridge, keep your foot ready on the brake pedal, controlling speed to allow for quicker reactions. Safety is far more important than speed, especially when traveling with family—this rule must never be broken.

With over 20 years of driving experience, I always slow down below 30 km/h when crossing narrow bridges. One memorable incident happened on a village road with an old stone bridge: driving too fast, I encountered an oncoming truck squeezing through, and both vehicles ended up scraping off paint. After that, I learned my lesson – keeping speed low creates space to avoid collisions. I advise new drivers to do the same and not emulate those who recklessly overtake. Narrow bridges often have uneven surfaces, so slow speeds make it easier to adjust steering and stay in lane. Remember the golden rule: prioritize stability over speed. Over time, you'll find this approach saves both nerves and insurance claims.


