[REVISION HISTORY]

Vietnam expressway following distance enforcement expands

Updated 16 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-21 02:27 UTC → 2026-10-24 06:06 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~In response to enforcement and identified limitations in policy communication, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc has directed that signage must be installed~~ On September 18, a multi-vehicle collision involving five vehicles on ~~expressway sections where~~ the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong Expressway highlighted the practical challenges of these penalties apply. He emphasized that enforcement should follow a roadmap combining guidance and propaganda, and must only be implemented when infrastructure meets necessary standards to avoid congestion. regulations. The ~~Ministry of Construction has been tasked with researching amendments~~ accident, triggered by a failure to ~~technical standards~~ maintain safe distance during heavy traffic, resulted in vehicle damage but no fatalities. In response to ~~ensure distances are appropriate for varying speeds, terrain, and weather, while~~ enforcement challenges, the ~~Ministry of Public Security~~ Vietnam Road Administration is ~~required to incorporate these regulations into driver training curricula. As of mid-October 2026,~~ coordinating with the ~~scope of infrastructure installation has expanded. The~~ Traffic Police Department ~~has requested the Vietnam Directorate of Roads~~ to install ~~signage and~~ standardized road markings ~~at 77 locations across 16 expressways. Road management units, provincial departments,~~ (indicating 0, 50, and ~~BOT project enterprises have been instructed~~ 100 meters) and signage to ~~review~~ 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 ~~install these~~ Quang Tri provinces confirmed that signaling ~~systems,~~ infrastructure at four specific locations is compliant with ~~progress reports due by October 31.~~ 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.

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