What speed should be maintained when driving in the leftmost lane of a three-lane motorway?
2 Answers
On roads with three or more lanes in the same direction, the minimum speed for the leftmost lane is 110 kilometers per hour. Additional information: Article 78 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law" states: 1. For roads with two lanes in the same direction: the minimum speed for the left lane is 100 kilometers per hour; 2. For roads with three or more lanes in the same direction: the minimum speed for the leftmost lane is 110 kilometers per hour, and the minimum speed for the middle lane is 90 kilometers per hour; 3. In case of inconsistency between speed limit signs and driving speeds: if the speed indicated by road speed limit signs is inconsistent with the above lane speed regulations, drivers should follow the speed indicated by the road speed limit signs.
I usually prefer driving in the leftmost lane, which is the overtaking lane, where the speed should be maintained close to the maximum limit. For example, on the highway where the speed limit is 120 km/h, I try to keep it between 100 and 120 km/h, so I don’t slow down traffic behind me. If I encounter a slow-moving vehicle ahead, I’ll use this lane to overtake, but I never exceed the speed limit—safety comes first. I remember once there was a traffic jam on the highway because a car was driving at just over 70 km/h in the left lane and got fined by the police. Driving fast can be exhilarating, but it’s important to maintain a safe distance and not tailgate, as it increases the risk of rear-end collisions. In bad weather, it’s necessary to slow down because wet roads are harder to control. In short, be flexible—when road conditions are complex, it’s best to move back to the right lane in time and avoid occupying the left lane for too long, which can inconvenience others. Reasonable driving makes the road smoother and saves fuel too!
