Vietnam traffic safety: Legal requirements for minor collisions and highway speeds

In Vietnam, drivers involved in minor vehicle collisions that result only in property damage, such as scratches or dents, are legally required to maintain the original scene. According to the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, a traffic accident is defined as an unintended collision involving people or vehicles that causes damage to life, health, or property. Article 80 stipulates that drivers must stop immediately, warn of danger, preserve the scene, and report to authorities. Drivers are generally required to remain at the scene until police arrive, unless they are providing emergency medical assistance or facing threats to their safety.

Additionally, driving below the minimum speed limit on highways is identified as a significant safety risk. On high-speed routes, such as the Hanoi-Hai Phong-Ha Long expressway, vehicles traveling significantly slower than the flow of traffic can cause congestion and increase the risk of rear-end collisions. Traffic police and drivers note that large speed differentials between vehicles can lead to sudden braking and unpredictable maneuvers, compromising road safety and disrupting transport efficiency.