Speed limitIndonesia

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


3. Speed limit

A speed limit is the maximum legal speed permitted on a road, lane or within a designated area. It may be established by general traffic law or indicated by fixed, variable or temporary traffic signs.

A speed limit is a maximum, not a target speed. Drivers must travel more slowly whenever traffic, visibility, weather, road conditions, vulnerable road users or the condition of the vehicle make the maximum permitted speed unsafe.

Speed limit
Speed-radar warning sign on the Cikopo–Palimanan Toll Road. (Indonesia)
Wikimedia.org • Udin Bahrudin • CC0
What is a speed limit?

A speed limit is the maximum legal speed permitted on a road, lane or within a designated area. It does not require drivers to travel at that speed.

How can you recognise a speed limit?

A speed limit is commonly displayed as a number on a regulatory traffic sign. General limits may also apply automatically because of the country, road category, vehicle type or surrounding area, even when no speed-limit sign is present.

Is the speed limit a recommended driving speed?

No. It is the highest speed legally permitted under suitable conditions. Drivers must reduce their speed whenever travelling at the limit would be unsafe.

Can you drive more slowly than the speed limit?

Yes. Drivers should travel more slowly when required by traffic, weather, visibility, road conditions or nearby vulnerable road users. Driving unnecessarily slowly may nevertheless be prohibited when it obstructs normal traffic.

Does the same speed limit apply to every vehicle?

Not always. Lower limits may apply to heavy vehicles, buses, vehicles towing trailers, novice drivers or other vehicle categories. The lowest applicable limit must be respected.

What is a default speed limit?

A default speed limit applies automatically to a particular road type or area when no traffic sign indicates another limit. Examples include general limits for motorways, built-up areas or roads outside built-up areas.

Does a posted speed limit replace the default limit?

Usually, yes. A legally placed speed-limit sign normally introduces another maximum speed, although lower vehicle-specific or special-road limits may continue to apply.

When does a speed-limit sign take effect?

A speed restriction normally begins at the location of the sign. Drivers should reduce their speed before passing the sign so that they are already travelling within the limit when it takes effect.

When does a speed limit end?

A signed limit may end at an intersection, an end-of-limit sign, another speed-limit sign or the beginning or end of a legally defined area. The exact rule differs between countries.

Does an intersection end a speed limit?

This depends on local law. An ordinary speed restriction may end at an intersection in some countries, while a zonal speed limit normally continues across intersections until an end-of-zone sign.

What is a speed zone?

A speed zone is an area in which the displayed maximum speed applies throughout all included roads. The limit normally remains in force until the corresponding end-of-zone sign.

What is a variable speed limit?

A variable speed limit is displayed on an electronic or changeable sign and may be adjusted according to congestion, weather, incidents or roadworks. When activated, it has the same legal importance as another applicable regulatory speed sign.

Can different lanes have different speed limits?

Yes. Signs positioned above individual lanes may impose different limits on those lanes. Drivers must observe the limit applying to the lane they use.

Can a temporary speed limit apply?

Yes. Temporary limits may be introduced near roadworks, collisions, hazards or special events. Drivers must follow the temporary traffic signs and instructions that are legally in force.

May you exceed the speed limit while overtaking?

No. Overtaking does not normally permit a driver to exceed the applicable maximum speed. The manoeuvre must be completed safely while respecting the speed limit.

Do poor conditions change the legal speed limit?

Some countries impose specific lower limits in rain, snow or other conditions. Even where the numerical limit does not change, drivers must reduce their speed sufficiently for the conditions.

1 Indonesia 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bridge 5 Toll road 6 Slope 7 Roundabout 8 Pedestrian crossing 9 Railway crossing 10 Turn prohibition 11 School area 12 Curve 13 Priority at the next junction 14 Traffic lights 15 Driving licence 16 Parking 17 No parking 18 No stopping 19 Reversing 20 U-turn 21 Uncontrolled crossroad 22 Licence plate 23 Bus 24 Police 25 Ambulance 26 Pothole 27 Path 28 Particulates 29 Air pollution 30 Rush hour 31 Road code 32 Street gutter 33 Cargo bike 34 Forestry vehicle 35 Construction vehicle 36 Semi-trailer truck 37 Trolleybus 38 Speed pedelec 39 Delivery vehicle 40 Idling 41 Tow truck 42 Four-wheel drive 43 Bicycle 44 Motorcycle equipment 45 Rail track 46 Caravan 47 Trailer 48 Tow hitch 49 Fire truck 50 Siren 51 Convoy 52 Emergency vehicle lighting 53 Agricultural machinery 54 Electric bicycle 55 Electric vehicle 56 Pedelec 57 Quadricycle 58 Microcar 59 All-terrain vehicle 60 Van 61 Recreational vehicle 62 Scooter 63 Trikke 64 Personal mobility device 65 Skateboard 66 Segway 67 Kick scooter 68 Roller skates 69 Mailman 70 Hitchhiker 71 Toddler 72 Child 73 Disability 74 Rickshaw 75 Motorail 76 km/h 77 mph 78 Speedometer 79 Ride height 80 Dirt road 81 Driving 82 Start-stop system 83 Manual transmission 84 Automatic transmission 85 Throttle 86 Tachometer 87 Steering wheel 88 Power steering 89 Visual scanning 90 Mirror 91 Fuel 92 Fuel gauge 93 Petrol 94 Diesel 95 Diesel exhaust fluid 96 Car insurance 97 First aid kit 98 Fire extinguisher 99 High-visibility clothing 100 First aid ...