Will driving below 60 km/h on an expressway result in penalty points?
4 Answers
Driving below 60 km/h on an expressway will not result in penalty points, but if the speed is too slow and causes traffic congestion, traffic police may impose on-the-spot penalties. Characteristics and regulations of expressways: An expressway refers to a dual-carriageway road with a central divider, fully controlled access via interchanges, designed to serve high-volume, long-distance, and rapid urban traffic. It features smooth alignment, separation from regular roads, allowing vehicles to travel safely and smoothly at higher speeds. Key characteristics include: a central barrier completely separating opposing traffic; prohibition of mixed traffic with non-motorized vehicles, motorcycles, or pedestrians; controlled spacing of access points to maintain relative independence from other arterial roads, collector roads, and local streets; minimal at-grade intersections (provided they don't affect overall traffic flow), with mandatory grade separation at crossings with other highways, railways, or major transportation lines. Speed limits on expressways: For expressways with four or more lanes in each direction, the speed limit ranges from 60 km/h to 100 km/h (with suburban sections of highways allowing up to 120 km/h). Penalties for violating speed limits: Current domestic laws and regulations primarily impose strict rules on speeding. For example, on highways with a 120 km/h limit, exceeding the speed by more than 10% results in varying penalties. Highways also have minimum speed requirements—driving at speeds more than 20% below the posted limit will incur a 3-point penalty. For other roads, there are fewer regulations regarding low-speed limits.
When driving, I noticed that the speed limits on expressways are designed for safety, with a minimum speed typically set at 60 kilometers per hour. However, this rule primarily aims to prevent drivers from going too slowly, which could block traffic or cause accidents. Driving below 60 km/h doesn’t necessarily result in direct license points deduction; penalties like points are mostly for serious violations such as speeding or running red lights. Driving too slowly might lead to a verbal warning or a small fine from the police, especially if it causes congestion or increases the risk of rear-end collisions. I recommend always maintaining a speed above 60 km/h, as expressways are designed for efficient travel—driving too slowly can actually be more dangerous because it forces trailing vehicles to brake suddenly or change lanes abruptly. Regular vehicle maintenance is also crucial to ensure your car can safely maintain appropriate speeds, avoiding slower driving in foggy conditions or at night, which could heighten risks.
I've read some traffic guidelines stating that the handling of speeds below 60 km/h on expressways varies by region, but generally, no points are deducted. Point deductions usually occur for speeding or drunk driving, while driving too slowly is more often considered obstructing traffic and may result in a fine or a simple warning. For example, on a busy national highway, driving at 50 km/h might draw the attention of patrol officers, who may offer some educational advice. The key point is not to assume that driving slowly is safe, as low speeds in high-speed traffic can easily lead to chain-reaction rear-end collisions. I also want to remind fellow drivers to pay attention to road signs indicating minimum speed limits, and using GPS navigation can help maintain an appropriate pace. Always be mindful of weather and traffic conditions, and smooth driving is the safest approach.
Once I was driving at 55km/h on the expressway due to a slightly deflated tire, and was reminded by a traffic officer that the minimum speed limit of 60km/h is a strict requirement. He didn’t fine me or deduct points, but patiently explained that driving too slowly on such roads poses risks, such as causing rear-end collisions or traffic jams. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to check the speedometer to ensure I don’t go below 60. Driving slowly might seem like a safety consideration, but in high-speed environments, matching the flow of traffic is the most reliable approach. Otherwise, moving like a snail can increase the likelihood of accidents. Staying alert is key.
