What is the motorway speed limit in rain or for a new driver?

On a motorway, the general limit is 130 km/h and falls to 110 in precipitation. For the first three years after obtaining an A2, A, B1, or B licence, the limit is 100 km/h. A lower posted limit takes precedence.

Start with the limit for the section

Article 142 sets a general maximum of 130 km/h on motorways. The road owner may post a different limit where the law allows, and some sections have lower permanent or temporary restrictions. Follow a posted limit even when the national maximum would be higher.

In any kind of precipitation, the maximum falls to 110 km/h. Rain, snow, or other weather also calls for a speed suited to visibility, grip, and traffic. The numeric limit is not a target if conditions make that speed unsafe.

The rule for newly licensed drivers

Article 117 sets a 100 km/h motorway limit for the first three years after obtaining an A2, A, B1, or B licence. This personal limit applies even when the ordinary limit is 130. In rain, the stricter limit applies: a newly licensed driver is capped at 100, while the general weather limit for others is 110, subject to any lower sign.

Article 117 also contains separate restrictions on vehicle power. Do not confuse those with speed limits: a car may be subject to a power restriction and its driver may also have a personal motorway speed limit.

A simple example

If a newly licensed driver is on a motorway in rain where signs show 110 km/h, Article 117 still limits them to 100 km/h. If a sign shows 90, the effective maximum is 90. Without precipitation, the ordinary 130 limit is still reduced to 100 during the first three years.

Check the licence category and issue date, and account for signs along the route. Reduce speed earlier if traffic or visibility requires it; do not wait for a sign when conditions call for caution.

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