Ministry of Public Security clarifies expressway reversing penalties

The Ministry of Public Security has clarified that reversing on an expressway is not always subject to administrative penalties. This guidance follows an inquiry regarding a driver who reversed at a toll booth on the Hanoi - Hai Phong Expressway to resolve a vehicle issue after receiving instructions from toll staff.

According to Article 11 of the Law on Handling of Administrative Violations, certain circumstances exempt individuals from penalties. These include actions taken in urgent situations, legitimate self-defense, unexpected events, or force majeure events. Additionally, individuals lacking administrative responsibility or those under the legal age for such penalties are exempt.

Legal experts suggest that vehicle breakdowns occurring unexpectedly may be classified as unexpected events or force majeure, as they are beyond the driver's control. If a driver reverses under the guidance of toll station staff to manage a sudden technical issue, the action may be considered an exempt circumstance rather than a punishable violation.