Is there a minimum speed on highways in Chile?

In Chile, traffic on roads and highways, since the adoption of the construction of this type of works, is regulated by regulations and decrees intended to guarantee road safety. One of the lesser known, but equally important, aspects is the minimum speed set for these roads, established in 1986 by Decree 146.

Decree 146 defines the characteristics and requirements for classifying a road as a highway or freeway, establishing differences in terms of design, construction and signage. In addition, it specifies aspects such as the impossibility of parking, the maximum driving speed as well as a minimum speed that drivers must respect. According to this decree, the minimum speed allowed on the road is 70 kilometers per hour, unless weather conditions or special situations require a speed reduction.

However, Law 18.290 says something more ambiguous, stating that “a vehicle shall not be driven at a speed so low as to prevent normal and proper circulation.” The Roads Department or municipalities may set minimum speeds below which no driver may drive their vehicle. But such decisions must be based on technical studies. »

The imposition of a minimum speed aims to guarantee constant and safe automobile traffic. This provision is particularly relevant on high-capacity roads, where traffic flow is essential to avoid traffic jams and reduce the risk of accidents.

Alberto Escobar, director of the Automobile Club of Chile and road safety expert, states that “the minimum speed cannot be standardized, because although it should not hinder the normal circulation of the rest of the vehicles, it must allow the driver itself to move quickly and safely. In other words, it will depend, among other factors, on the type of vehicle driven and the driver’s control over the route he is traveling, all closely linked to compliance with the provisions of the Highway Code.

In Spain and some countries of the European Community, the maximum and minimum speed limits are very clear and, in addition, they are differentiated by vehicle group and type of road.

For example, in the Iberian country for cars (passengers), motorcycles and buses, the minimum speed on highways and highways is 60 km/h; on conventional roads, the minimum speed is 50 km/h -except on some where it is 45 km/h-; while on urban roads the minimum speed is 25 km/h when the flow is continuous.

For trucks, articulated vehicles and vans, the minimum speed on motorways and expressways is also 60 km/h, but on conventional roads it drops to 35 km/h. As for other categories of vehicles, the minimum speed in town is 25 km/h.

For cars with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg, the minimum speed on motorways and highways is 60 km/h; 35 km/h on the road and the same 25 km/h as the other categories for urban areas.