Will driving slowly on the highway result in penalty points?
3 Answers
Driving slowly on the highway will result in penalty points. Minimum speed limit is 60km/h: The minimum speed limit is 60km/h. If the driving speed is 20% or more below the minimum speed, you will be penalized with 3 points and a fine. Must not be below 60km/h and must not exceed 120km/h: The minimum speed limit on the highway must not be below 60km/h, and the maximum speed limit must not exceed 120km/h. Low-speed restrictions: There are not only speed limits for going too fast on highways but also low-speed restrictions. If you drive below the stipulated speed on the highway, you will face corresponding penalties.
I have deep personal experience with long-distance highway driving – driving too slowly is not only dangerous but also illegal. The minimum speed limit on highways is 60 km/h, and if you drive below this speed, traffic police will issue penalty points and fines. This regulation is actually quite reasonable. On highways with fast-moving traffic, crawling along like a snail makes it impossible for trucks behind to brake in time. I've personally witnessed several rear-end collisions caused this way. Especially during rainy days, driving below the required speed makes skidding and losing control more likely. The best practice is to follow the speed limit signs – neither exceeding nor hovering at the minimum limit – for optimal safety and security. If your vehicle has temporary issues, remember to turn on hazard lights, pull over to the emergency lane, and place warning triangles. The most important thing about driving is being responsible both to others and yourself.
Last week at a highway service station, I chatted with several drivers who all mentioned that getting penalized for driving too slowly is quite common. I explained that the minimum speed limit on highways is 60 km/h, and driving slower than that can result in being caught by speed cameras or pulled over by traffic police, with a penalty of 3 demerit points and a 200 yuan fine. Driving slowly in the left lane is particularly dangerous as it increases the risk of rear-end collisions. However, exceptions are made for special circumstances, such as new drivers who are nervous on the highway or vehicles experiencing sudden mechanical issues. In such cases, as long as the hazard lights are turned on and the driver moves slowly to the right lane, the police usually won’t issue a penalty. Experienced drivers I know often recommend maintaining a speed between 80 to 100 km/h, as it’s both fuel-efficient and safe. In cases of heavy fog or rain where visibility is poor, driving at around 40 km/h is understandable, but front and rear fog lights along with hazard lights must be turned on.
