Speed

Effective speed management is fundamental to road safety. The 'appropriate speed' is not always the maximum legal limit, but rather a speed adapted to the specific conditions of the road, traffic, weather, and the driver's state. Excessive speed is a primary cause of fatal accidents as it severely reduces your visual field (causing tunnel vision), increases the distance needed to react and brake, and compromises your ability to control the vehicle in an emergency.

Drivers must know the generic speed limits. In urban areas, limits are typically 30 km/h for single-lane roads and 50 km/h for multi-lane roads. On interurban roads, the maximum for a passenger car is 90 km/h on conventional roads and 120 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways, which have a minimum speed of 60 km/h. Crucially, a major rule change means no vehicle may exceed the posted speed limit for any reason, including to overtake.

Adapting your speed is critical in specific situations. When approaching a curve, you must slow down before entering it and accelerate gently on exit to manage centrifugal force. Your following distance must always increase with your speed, especially on wet roads or when carrying a heavy load, as these factors extend your braking distance. Be prepared to reduce speed and stop for hazards such as pedestrians, stopped buses, level crossings, and animals.

Finally, driving at an 'abnormally reduced speed'—that is, below the road's minimum limit without a valid reason like dense fog or a breakdown—is also prohibited. It disrupts traffic flow and creates a significant risk of accidents. If forced to drive slowly due to a vehicle malfunction, you must use your hazard warning lights to alert other road users.