Speed limits, safety distances, and overtaking
What this domain tests
This domain tests the general speed limits, the rain reductions, safe following distances, and when overtaking is allowed or forbidden.
Speed limits
Luxembourg's general limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside, and 130 km/h on motorways. In rain, the motorway limit drops to 110 km/h and outside built-up roads to 80 km/h. Lower signs, such as zone 30 or roadworks limits, override the general limits.
Safety distance and overtaking
- Use the two-second rule in dry conditions; double it in rain or poor visibility.
- Overtake on the left. Overtaking is forbidden where visibility is limited (bends, hilltops), at crossings, and when you cannot return safely.
- Leave at least 1.5 m when overtaking a cyclist outside built-up areas and 1 m inside.
Worked example
You are on a motorway at 130 km/h and heavy rain starts. Reasoning: the limit becomes 110 km/h and the two-second gap is insufficient; increase to at least four seconds. If you are overtaking, complete the manoeuvre only if you can see a safe gap and do not force other drivers to brake.
Traps
Treating the limit as a target; forgetting the rain reduction; overtaking on the right in moving traffic; passing a cyclist too closely; using a safety gap measured only by car lengths rather than time.