What are they and how do they affect the maximum speed on highways and highways?

Let’s explain to you what are dynamic speed limits on highways and highways. Because no, the speed limits are not going to change forever nor are we going to say goodbye to 120 km/h, but in some sections the maximum at which you can drive will depend on each moment.

Therefore, taking into account everything that is being said and exaggerated, we are going to try to explain to you how this type of speed limits works. Just remember that At the moment they have only been implemented in some sections of specific roads, not on all highways and expressways.

What are dynamic speed limits?

Highways and expressways have a speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour. But when a section of road tends to have a lot of traffic or complications on a regular basis, or simply when the weather and visibility are poor, then these static limits can even become dangerous, because people tend to go faster than they should.

For these cases, the DGT is beginning to implement a technology that has already been satisfactorily tested in countries such as Germany or France, managing to reduce accidents in high traffic areas. It is about the dynamic speed limitswhich will vary depending on the conditions at any given time.

This technology uses artificial intelligence to record and process traffic or weather data in real time, and will take into account visibility, peak times, times and incidents that occur. With all this, The speed limit will be adjusted automatically taking into account the situation at all times.

In the sections where it is implemented, the speed limit will be displayed on the illuminated panels on the roads. Thus, if the conditions are not bad, this system will at specific times reduce the speed limit from 120 km/h to 100, 90 or even 80 km/h.

For example, if it is very foggy this morning, perhaps the limit is 120 to 80 km/h to avoid accidents. That limit to which it is lowered will be the legal one at the moment in which it is posted, so speeding will have fines which can range between 100 and 600 euros and between 2 and 6 license points. Come on, it doesn’t matter if you’re on a stretch of highway, if it says the limit is 80 right now, that’s how it is.

For now, These dynamic limits have only been applied to one trackwhich is the AP-7, in one of its sections in Catalonia. Taking into account that it is a system that works satisfactorily in other European countries, if the bet goes well in this area, it would not be ruled out that it be implemented in others.

Cover image | Jorge Franganillo

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