There is a road signal that has raised many doubts among drivers in Portugal. Despite being present on several roads, most motorists do not know exactly what it indicates, which has led to unexpected fines. This lack of knowledge can be easily avoided by understanding its true meaning.
According to PPLware, this road signal is related to an average speed control system. Instead of measuring the speed at a fixed point, the system calculates the average velocity of the vehicle along a defined road section. Thus, the driver must maintain a constant speed and within the legal limit throughout the course to avoid penalties.
This system was implemented, according to the same source, to increase the effectiveness of road enforcement, especially in areas where speeding is a higher risk. However, many conductors are unaware of the meaning of the sign and end up being fined without realizing why. Knowing this system is fundamental to avoid fines.
Which indicates the h42 signal and how it works
The road signal concerned is the H42, a blue rectangle with the inscription “medium speed” and the design of two cameras, indicating the beginning of the section where the average speed will be monitored. According to the same source, this control works by electronic reading of the vehicle’s enrollment at two distant points.
Among these points, the system calculates the average velocity and verifies if it is within the legal limit. Thus, control obliges drivers to maintain constant driving without accelerating to escape a radar and then lock abruptly.
This method, as the same source refers, aims to prevent accidents caused by excessive speeds and risk behaviors, promoting safer and more responsible driving. The presence of the signal warns for continuous inspection along the section.
Where this system is implemented
The average velocity control system with the H42 signal is already present on several national roads and self -established, such as EN10, IC1, IC19, A1 and A6. These places were chosen because they are points with greater claim and intense traffic.
Installing these systems, according to PPLware, part of a strategy to improve road safety and reduce accidents. The signal serves not only to indicate control, but also as a warning for drivers to adapt their speed.
Ignoring the signal can result in fines, even if speeding happens only on a stretch of the route, as the system applies fines based on the registered average speed.
We recommend:
Penalizations and tolerance margins
According to the same source, fines applied by speeding detected in this system may vary between 60 and 2,500 euros, according to the severity of the infraction. Point losses may also occur in the driving license or temporary suspension of the right to drive.
There is a margin of technical tolerance to compensate for possible equipment errors: up to 7 km/h for limits up to 100 km/he 7% for higher limits. However, this margin does not authorize exceeding legal limits.
The system applies penalties whenever the average speed exceeds the legal limit, even if the driver has reduced the speed at some points. Thus, it is essential to maintain a constant and legal speed along the section.
How to avoid fines with this sign
To avoid fines, the same source suggests that the best practice is to respect the speed limit throughout the controlled section. It is not enough to reduce the speed at some points; The average speed should always be within the allowed.
Navigation applications like Waze and Google Maps already warn of these systems, but the H42 signal is the only official indicator and should be respected. Knowing him helps to avoid surprises and fines.
According to attention to this signal promotes safer driving and avoids penalties, contributing to the reduction of accidents. Fulfilling legal limits protects not only the driver but all users on the road.
Also read:
