Speed Limits, Safety Distances and Positioning
Limits you must know
In built-up areas the general limit is 50 km/h unless signed otherwise. Outside built-up areas it is 70 km/h on ordinary roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. Regional and local signs can lower these figures, and roadworks or weather can impose temporary limits. A frequent trap is confusing the general outside built-up limit (70) with the motorway limit (120), or ignoring a lower posted limit because the general rule seems to allow more.
Safe following distance
Use the two-second rule in dry conditions and double it to four seconds in rain or poor visibility. At higher speeds a larger gap is needed. Following too closely is a major cause of motorcycle crashes and appears in hazard questions.
Positioning on the road
Ride in a position that gives you the best view and the best escape route. On bends, avoid the centre line and watch for oncoming vehicles cutting the corner. In traffic, do not ride in blind spots; stay where drivers can see you in their mirrors. Lane splitting is restricted, so follow the rules for filtering carefully.
Overtaking and distance
Keep a safe lateral distance when overtaking, especially cyclists and pedestrians. Do not overtake where visibility is limited, at crossings, or where a continuous line forbids it.
Rule of thumb
If you cannot stop within the distance you can see to be clear, you are riding too fast. Worked example: at 70 km/h in rain, keep at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead - count "one thousand and one" to "one thousand and four" after it passes a fixed point.