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10 clusters · 24 sources · 75 days · First seen · Last updated

Vietnam expressway following distance enforcement expands

Overview

The Vietnam Traffic Police Department has launched intensified enforcement of safe following distance regulations on major expressways. Following the August 27 commencement, authorities have penalized numerous drivers, including bus operators on the Phap Van to Nghi Son route and drivers on the Hanoi to Ninh Binh route. Enforcement utilizes specialized road markings and camera surveillance to ensure objectivity. Under Circular 38/2024, minimum safe distances are set at 35m for 60 km/h, 55m for 60-80 km/h, 70m for 80-100 km/h, and 100m for 100-120 km/h. Violations not resulting in accidents can lead to fines of 4 to 6 million VND and a 2-point license deduction, while accidents incur fines of 20–22 million VND and a 10-point deduction. Authorities clarified that drivers will not be penalized for sudden distance reductions caused by emergency braking, traffic congestion, or other vehicles abruptly changing lanes.

On September 18, a multi-vehicle collision involving five vehicles on the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong Expressway highlighted the practical challenges of these regulations. The accident, triggered by a failure to maintain safe distance during heavy traffic, resulted in vehicle damage but no fatalities. In response to enforcement challenges, the Vietnam Road Administration is coordinating with the Traffic Police Department to install standardized road markings (indicating 0, 50, and 100 meters) and signage to help drivers identify regulated zones. Enforcement is currently active at specific points on the Phap Van - Nghi Son expressway.

By late October 2026, inspections of the North-South Expressway (CT.01) between Nghe An and Quang Tri provinces confirmed that signaling infrastructure at four specific locations is compliant with national standards, clearing the way for administrative sanctions. Additionally, new traffic organization plans for the Vinh Hao - Phan Thiet expressway have established specific speed limits and corresponding safe following distances.

Entities

Traffic Police Department · Ministry of Public Security · Pham Gia Túc · Vietnam Road Administration · Ministry of Construction

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Vietnam reviews signaling systems on North-South Expressway for safety enforcement

    Vietnam's Road Management Area II has reviewed signaling systems on the North-South Expressway to prepare for enforcing penalties against drivers who fail to maintain safe following distances.

  2. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Vietnam approves speed limits for Vinh Hao - Phan Thiet expressway

    Vietnam has set maximum speeds of 90km/h for cars and 80km/h for sleeping buses on the Vinh Hao - Phan Thiet expressway, alongside new safe following distance requirements.

  3. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Vietnam to install highway signage to enforce safe following distances

    Vietnam's Traffic Police Department is calling for new signage and road markings at 77 locations across 16 expressways to enforce safe following distance regulations.

  4. [INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
    Vietnam to install highway markings for safety distance enforcement

    Vietnam is implementing standardized road markings and signage on highways to clearly identify zones where drivers will be penalized for failing to maintain safe following distances.

  5. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Vietnam highway safety: Multi-vehicle crash highlights distance regulation challenges

    A five-vehicle pileup on the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong Expressway caused by improper following distances has prompted calls for better signage and clearer implementation of highway safety regulations.

  6. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Vietnam orders highway signage for safe distance enforcement

    Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister has ordered the installation of signage on highways where safe distance violations are penalized to ensure driver awareness and compliance.

  7. [INTERNATIONAL] 6 sources
    Vietnam highway safety: Drivers urged to follow strict distance and lane rules

    Drivers in Vietnam are urged to follow strict highway safety rules, including maintaining safe following distances and proper lane usage, amid increased enforcement during the September 2nd holiday.

  8. [INTERNATIONAL] 12 sources
    Vietnam Traffic Police enforce safe following distances on expressways

    Vietnam's Traffic Police have launched enforcement of safe following distance regulations on major expressways, using cameras to fine drivers and deduct license points to improve road safety.

  9. [INTERNATIONAL] 9 sources
    Vietnam traffic police to enforce safe following distances on expressways

    Vietnam's traffic police will begin enforcing safe following distance regulations on the Phap Van - Nghi Son expressway on August 27 to reduce highway accidents.

  10. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Driving safety and overtaking regulations in Vietnam

    Guidance for drivers in Vietnam on safe overtaking practices, including how to handle tailgating and the legal exceptions for passing vehicles on the right when the lead car is turning left.

Sources

afamily.vn · autonet.com.vn · autopro.com.vn · baogialai.com.vn · baohatinh.vn · baolaocai.vn · baophutho.vn · baoquangninh.vn · baoxaydung.vn · cafef.vn · congnghe.vn · doanhnghieptiepthi.vn · giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn · kenh14.vn · nhandan.vn · phunuvietnam.vn · saigontoday.net · soha.vn · thanhnien.vn · thoibao.de · tienphong.vn · tuoitre.vn · vietnamplus.vn · vtv.vn

This summary has been updated 16 times: see revision history