Where the 150 km/h limit applies
Two European countries, Czechia and Italy, will allow speeds of up to 150 km/h on selected motorway sections in 2025. The change is targeted, not universal, and tied to specific infrastructure and conditions. Authorities emphasize a careful rollout to balance mobility with safety.
In Czechia, the increase begins in June 2025 on parts of the D3 between Tábor and České Budějovice, with additional stretches on D11 and D1. The current limit of 130 km/h remains the baseline while the higher figure is treated as an experiment. Variable limits will be managed via dynamic signs, adjusting to traffic and weather in real time.
Italy will activate long‑standing provisions to allow 150 km/h starting 1 January 2025. The higher ceiling will apply only on 2×3‑lane motorways equipped with emergency lanes, covering roughly 1,500 km of the national network. Enforcement will rely on section‑control radars, designed to measure average speed over distance.
Why raise the limit?
Officials in both countries frame the move as a safety initiative rather than purely a speed upgrade. They argue that on well‑engineered roads, a slightly higher cap can keep drivers more engaged, reducing distraction and drowsiness. The policy also nods to the German approach, where responsibility and lane discipline are stressed on fast corridors.
Supporters say modern vehicles with advanced braking and stability systems can safely handle these speeds under the right conditions. They also highlight traffic flow benefits when limits more closely match typical cruising speeds in light traffic. Still, implementation hinges on strict criteria and responsive management.
Technology and enforcement
Both programs lean on technology to maintain control. Czech routes will use dynamic speed management to throttle limits when visibility worsens, lanes narrow, or congestion builds. This approach tailors speed to risk, rather than locking drivers into a single figure.
Italy’s reliance on section control aims to curb short bursts of excessive speed between fixed cameras. Average‑speed checks are considered effective at promoting smoother driving and reducing unsafe overtakes. Combined with clear signage, the systems provide consistent feedback to motorists.
Safety and environmental concerns
Critics warn that higher impact speeds can make collisions more severe. Even with better cars, the laws of physics remain unforgiving at 150 km/h. Emergency responders also caution that stopping distances and reaction times leave less margin for error.
Environmental groups point to increased fuel consumption and higher emissions at elevated speeds. Aerodynamic drag rises sharply with speed, undermining efficiency even in modern powertrains. For electric vehicles, faster cruising can cut range significantly on long trips.
“Raise speed with care, or you raise risk with it.”
What drivers should know
Before using the new limits, drivers should check local maps and official apps to confirm where the higher cap applies. Not all sections will qualify, and conditions may change quickly. A few practical reminders can help maintain safety and compliance:
- Watch for dynamic signs and obey temporary reductions.
- Keep ample following distance and avoid abrupt maneuvers.
- Use the left lane for overtaking only; return promptly to the right.
- Ensure tires are in good condition and correctly inflated.
- Be mindful of fuel or battery range at sustained high speeds.
- Expect section control cameras and respect posted limits.
How France compares
In France, the motorway limit remains 130 km/h, or 110 km/h in rain. There are no current plans to mirror the 150 km/h experiments. Authorities continue to invest in fixed and mobile radar to enforce existing limits.
This stance reflects a cautious balance between mobility, safety, and emissions. With dense traffic and varied regional weather, French policymakers favor predictability over higher speed ceilings. Monitoring of neighboring policies will nonetheless inform future choices.
What to watch in 2025
The key test will be how Czechia and Italy measure outcomes across safety metrics, traffic efficiency, and environmental impact. Expect detailed reporting on crash severity, incident rates, and emission profiles along upgraded corridors. If results are positive, more sections could gradually qualify.
Conversely, any uptick in serious accidents or measurable pollution could prompt swift revisions. The promise of faster travel must be weighed against the cost of greater risk. For now, the message is clear: higher limits come with higher responsibility, and the road to proof runs through 2025.
