Speed limits in India vary by road type, vehicle and, in some cases, the state or city. Here's a practical overview — always follow the signs on the road, which are the final authority.
Limits change and vary by state, notification and local signage. Treat this as general guidance, not legal advice, and always obey posted signs.
Typical limits by road type
- Expressways: commonly up to 100–120 km/h for cars on major expressways (some signed at 120).
- National highways: often 80–100 km/h for cars.
- Urban/city roads: frequently 50–70 km/h, lower in busy areas.
- Residential and school zones: much lower, often 25–40 km/h.
By vehicle type
Cars and lighter vehicles usually get the highest limits. Two-wheelers, buses, trucks and other heavy vehicles are typically held to lower limits than cars on the same road. Always check the sign, which may specify different limits per vehicle class.
City-specific rules
Some cities set their own limits for different road categories. Metro cities have published category-wise limits (arterial roads, residential streets, etc.), so a "city speed limit" can vary street to street. Follow local signage.
Why staying at the limit matters
Beyond fines and penalty points, speed is a major factor in road-accident severity. Staying within the limit gives you more time to react and shorter stopping distances.
Check your real speed
Your car's speedometer reads a few km/h high by design, so you might be going slightly slower than the dashboard shows. To see your true speed, use the free GPS Speedometer — it reads your actual speed over the ground in km/h, and works on any phone. There's also a speed converter if you need km/h in mph.
Drive safely, and let the road signs be your guide.