Czech Republic extends AI‑driven variable speed‑limit trial on highways

The Czech transport ministry announced that the AI‑controlled trial allowing a maximum speed of 150 km/h on a section of the D3 highway near České Budějovice will continue until the end of 2026. The system adjusts speed limits in real time based on traffic density, weather, accidents and time of day, selecting limits of 100, 130 or 150 km/h. Early evaluations show the average speed of passenger cars rose by about 10 km/h compared with the previous fixed 130 km/h limit, while the overall share of drivers exceeding the limit fell, especially in the right‑hand lane; more than 40% of drivers in the left‑hand lane still exceed the limit.

Similar AI‑based speed‑management schemes are being rolled out in other European countries, such as Spain’s AP‑7 corridor between Maçanet de la Selva and El Vendrell, where variable limits can also reach 150 km/h under ideal conditions. European road‑safety monitors warn that a 10 km/h increase in speed limits can double crash risk in adverse weather or heavy traffic.