Speed Limits on National and State Highways
Cars up to 100–120 km/h on expressways; trucks capped at 65 km/h on highways.
Cars may travel at up to 100 km/h on undivided highways and 120 km/h on expressways. Trucks and buses are capped at 65–80 km/h. Motorcycles: 60 km/h on highways.
Penalty Under Law
LMV: ₹1,000–₹2,000. Heavy vehicle: ₹2,000–₹4,000 (Sec. 183). Third offence: licence suspended.
Legal Source
MV Act Sec. 112, 183; MoRTH S.O. 2188(E)/2018; NHAI Speed Notification 2021
What the Law Says
MoRTH S.O. 2188(E) 2018 specifies: Cars (LMV) — National Highway (undivided): 100 km/h; National Highway (divided/expressway): 120 km/h; State Highway: 100 km/h. Motorcycles: 80 km/h (highway), 60 km/h (expressway). Trucks/buses: 65 km/h (national highway). Mini-buses: 80 km/h. Tractor-trailers: 25 km/h (highway). School buses: as marked. States may impose lower limits with notification.
💡 Why This Rule Exists
Highway speed limits balance mobility (getting goods and people where they need to go) with safety. Heavy vehicles are capped lower than cars because their stopping distances are dramatically longer, their handling is less responsive, and their size means collisions cause catastrophically more damage. The 120 km/h expressway limit recognises that controlled-access highways with barriers, no pedestrians, and no crossings are inherently safer than undivided roads.
Key Facts
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Cars on NH undivided: 100 km/h max.
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Cars on NH divided / expressway: 120 km/h max.
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Motorcycles on highway: 80 km/h max.
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Trucks / heavy vehicles: 65 km/h on all highways.
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Buses: 80 km/h (NH), 100 km/h (expressway) — varies by state.
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Tractor-trailers: 25 km/h — illegal on expressways.
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Some states (Maharashtra on Mumbai-Pune Expressway) have 110 km/h for LMV.
⚠️ Common Violations
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Cars driving at 130–150 km/h on expressways — 20–30% over the limit.
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Trucks cruising at 80+ km/h on highways posted at 65.
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Motorcycles using highway fast lanes at 100+ km/h.
Frequently Asked Questions
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More Speed Limits Rules
Speed Limits in Urban and City Areas
The default speed limit inside city/town limits in India is 50 km/h for cars and light motor vehicles. In school and hospital zones the limit may be 25–30 km/h.
LMV overspeeding: ₹1,000–₹2,000 (Sec
Special Rules Near Schools and Hospitals
Near schools and hospitals: reduce speed to 25–30 km/h, do not use horn, and give way to school buses and ambulances. These are legally designated protection zones.
Speed violation near school: Sec