The winter season has started and the temperature is falling rapidly in many parts of the country. Pink cold affects not only our daily routine but also the drivers on the roads. Fog and mist increase the chances of road accidents in winter. Keeping this in mind, changes are made in the speed limits on the highways and expressways of the country. Notably, the speed limit is reduced for two months every year on the Yamuna Expressway.
Yamuna Expressway: Winter Speed Limit
The 165 km long Yamuna Expressway, which connects Agra to Greater Noida, is affected by fog during winter. This can make driving risky.
- New rules:
- Maximum speed for light vehicles: reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h.
- Maximum speed for heavy vehicles: 60km/h.
- Applicable Period:
- Every year from 15 December to 15 February.
Changes in rules for security
Yamuna Expressway Authority enforces these rules every year during winter to prevent accidents.
- A challan of ₹2,000 is issued for not following the speed limit.
- This action ensures that safety is maintained on the roads.
Speed rules of highways and expressways in India
Different speed limits have been set for vehicles on the highways and expressways of the country.
- car:
- National Highway: 100km/h.
- Expressway: 120km/h.
- Two-wheeler:
- Highways and Expressways: 80km/h.
- Heavy vehicles (buses and trucks):
- Highway and Expressway: 100km/h.
- In winter, the speed limit is further reduced due to fog and mist.
Surveillance through CCTV cameras
Today, CCTV cameras have been installed on almost all the expressways of the country, which keep an eye on the speed of vehicles.
- How it works:
- If the speed of your vehicle is more than 120km/h, its data is recorded at the next toll plaza.
- Based on this the challan is issued.
- On Yamuna Expressway:
- Challan starting from ₹500 for speed limit violation.
- In 2019, an e-challan of ₹2,000 was issued on a Mercedes traveling at a speed of 214km/h.
Why is it important to follow speed limit rules?
- road safety:
- Slow speed reduces the chances of accidents.
- Visibility in fog:
- By reducing the speed, sudden braking or collision due to fog can be avoided.
- Protection from legal action:
- Driving license can also be canceled for non-payment of challan.
Things to keep in mind while driving in winter
- Limit speed.
- Use headlights and fog lights properly.
- Follow road signs.
- Maintain adequate distance from other vehicles.