Will I be penalized for driving at 105 km/h on a highway with a speed limit of 100 km/h?
4 Answers
Driving at 105 km/h on a highway with a speed limit of 100 km/h will not result in a penalty. Here are some precautions for highway driving: 1. Observe traffic rules: Novice drivers should pay attention to traffic regulations and display a probationary sign. 2. Speed limits: Before entering the highway, inspect your vehicle. The minimum speed on the highway should not be less than 60 km/h, and the maximum speed should not exceed 120 km/h. 3. Merge in advance: When exiting the highway, merge to the outermost lane early. Pay attention to the roadside signs indicating 1.5 km and 1 km to prepare for merging. 4. Maintain a safe distance: Keeping a safe distance is the most important factor for driving safety. Many inexperienced drivers may misjudge the distance, follow too closely, and fail to brake in time.
To be honest, I often drive on highways where the speed limit is 100 km/h but I go 105 km/h. In reality, this slight overspeed isn’t always caught in many places because enforcement devices like radar guns have a margin of error, typically ±2 to 5 km/h. If you exceed by just 5 km/h, the device might not detect it, or police may overlook minor violations for humane enforcement. However, strictly speaking, it’s technically a violation. According to traffic laws, exceeding the speed limit by 1% to 10% in many cities results in fines and penalty points. For example, in Beijing or Shanghai, going 5 km/h over could mean a ¥150 fine and 3 penalty points. So, I suggest playing it safe—don’t chase those few seconds. If caught, you’ll not only pay but also risk higher insurance premiums and a tarnished driving record. Get into the habit of checking your speedometer and using cruise control; it’s safer and saves fuel too.
From a technical perspective, I've analyzed the speed measurement systems in cars. Whether driving at 105 km/h in a 100 km/h zone will result in a penalty depends on the device's accuracy and law enforcement tolerance. Current speedometers have a standard error margin of ±3 km/h. If your actual speed is 105 km/h, the displayed speed could be 102 km/h or 108 km/h. Exceeding the limit by 5 km/h is often considered a gray area in many regions. For example, traffic authorities in Guangzhou or Chengdu usually show leniency, issuing only verbal warnings or minor penalties. However, during strict enforcement periods, such as holidays, you won't escape fines—typically a deduction of points and a 200 RMB penalty. I recommend regularly checking your speedometer's accuracy, avoiding vehicle modifications or erratic driving. It's also advisable to use mobile apps or GPS for supplementary speed monitoring to prevent compromising safety over minor issues.
I always remind myself not to speed while driving. Going 105 in a 100 km/h speed limit zone might seem trivial, but the risks are significant! Exceeding by 1-2 km may not likely result in a fine, but braking distance increases, and the probability of accidents rises in rainy or foggy conditions. In most areas, police turn a blind eye to minor speeding, such as on urban highways, prioritizing education first. However, if they do capture a violation, uploading the record can be troublesome. Develop good habits: increase the volume of your car's speed limit warning sound or use adaptive cruise control to automatically manage your speed—safe, convenient, and worry-free about tickets.
