Will You Be Fined and Penalized for Driving Too Slowly on the Highway?
3 Answers
Driving too slowly on the highway can result in fines and penalty points. Radar speed detection devices installed on highways can monitor whether vehicles are driving below the speed limit. Once detected, penalties will be imposed based on the severity of the violation. Additionally, highway traffic police frequently conduct on-site inspections and issue penalties. Driving below the speed limit on the highway is illegal: It is subject to penalties for traffic violations. If your speed is less than 20% below the minimum speed limit, you will not be fined. However, if your speed is more than 20% below the minimum speed limit, you will face a fine and a 3-point penalty. No penalties will be imposed if the low speed is due to road construction, traffic congestion, or severe weather conditions like rain or fog. Speed below 70 km/h: Motor vehicles designed for speeds below 70 km/h are not allowed on highways. The maximum speed on highways must not exceed 120 km/h, and the minimum speed must not be below 60 km/h. "Driving too slowly on the highway can obstruct other vehicles and significantly increase the risk of rear-end collisions, which is why there are regulations prohibiting low-speed driving on highways.
Last time on the highway, I was almost in a serious accident because of a slow-moving car! The leftmost lane on the highway has a minimum speed limit of 110 km/h, while other lanes must maintain at least 60 km/h—this is clearly stated in the traffic regulations. Once, I was following a van driving at 40 km/h, which nearly caused a three-car pileup. Such low-speed behavior is definitely ticket-worthy—surveillance cameras will fine you 200 yuan and deduct 3 points for speeding, and the same penalty applies for driving too slowly. Let me tell you from experience: I’ve been fined twice for driving at 50 km/h with hazard lights on during rain. The highway is not a place where you can drive as slowly as you want. The real danger is slow driving on curves or uphill sections, where large trucks can’t stop in time. I recommend that new drivers check the speed limit signs before entering the highway—navigation apps also remind you of the minimum speed limit.
I reckon this is a pitfall most novices easily stumble into. On my first highway drive, I was so nervous my palms were sweating, thinking driving slower would be safer. It wasn't until cars behind me started aggressively flashing lights and overtaking that I realized my mistake. I specifically checked the regulations: driving below 60 km/h is considered illegal low-speed driving, and patrol cars can issue tickets on the spot. What's more troublesome are those mobile speed cameras near toll booth ramps, specifically targeting lane-changing and speed-dropping vehicles. Last time on the Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway, I saw a sign saying 'Low-speed driving causing congestion - fined' with case photos attached. Actually, maintaining a reasonable following distance is more important than deliberately slowing down. If you're really unsure, just stay in the rightmost lane and match the speed of the car in front of you.
