Analysis and evaluation of the direct economic costs of driving at an illegal speed compared to the permitted speed (Case study: Tehran-Qom Freeway)

Hassanpour, Shahab; Moameni, Ali; Shayegan, Fariba; Hosseini, Seyed Teymoor

doi:10.22034/tri.2026.576232.3442

Analysis and evaluation of the direct economic costs of driving at an illegal speed compared to the permitted speed (Case study: Tehran-Qom Freeway)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

shahab hassanpour ¹

ali moameni ²

fariba shayegan ²

seyed teymoor hosseini ²

¹ no 5, no 33, araghi st, pasdaran

² amin naja university

10.22034/tri.2026.576232.3442

Abstract

This paper provides a comparative analysis of the direct economic costs of speeding versus speeding, specifically on the freeway network. Focusing on four key indicators: fuel consumption, vehicle depreciation, traffic fines, and air pollution costs, this study shows that choosing to exceed the speed limit on freeways is a very costly decision for drivers. Using a descriptive-analytical research method and examining technical and economic data related to freeways, the results clearly indicate that driving at a speed limit of 120 km/h compared to higher speeds (e.g., 150 km/h) results in significant savings in fuel costs, pollution, depreciation of sensitive vehicle parts, and heavy fines, amounting to more than 2,800,000 Tomans. The paper concludes that even on freeways where high speeds are possible, exceeding the 120 km/h speed limit is not economically viable and driving within the law is in the best interests of the household economy.As a result, a proper economic assessment can be made regarding illegal speeds.

Keywords

Direct economic costs of driving

speeding

speed limit

freeway

Subjects