Around 23h on 15/3, while patrolling the Van Phong - Nha Trang expressway, Traffic Police (CSGT) found a truck with a Hanoi license plate stopped in the emergency lane, lacking warnings such as: lights, traffic cones, or reflective signs. The driver was asleep in the driver's seat, unaware of the authorities' presence.
According to CSGT, the driver violated rules for stopping or parking on an expressway in an unauthorized area. The violations included not activating emergency lights in case of a technical issue or unavoidable circumstances requiring a stop in the emergency lane, and not placing a "caution, parked vehicle" warning sign (or warning device) at least 150 m behind the vehicle when forced to stop in a traffic lane.
Under Decree 168/2024 on road traffic violations, this offense carries a fine of 12-14 million dong and a deduction of six points from the driver's license.
Video: The driver was immediately fined on 15/3 for sleeping in a vehicle stopped in the emergency lane without complying with expressway stopping regulations. Traffic Police Department (Cuc CSGT)
The emergency lane, as regulated by the Traffic Law (Luat Giao thong), is only for emergency stops due to health or vehicle issues. Regarding what constitutes a health emergency, according to lawyer Dang Thanh Chung of the Hanoi Bar Association, the law does not currently specify these cases in detail. Therefore, whether drowsiness (leading to inability to continue driving) is classified as a "health issue" depends on data gathered by authorities.
This means that it is not excluded that a driver who is too drowsy and tired might stop in the emergency lane for a 10-15 minute nap. However, they must comply with regulations for stopping or parking, such as: using emergency lights, reflective triangles, or traffic cones.
Sleeping on an expressway, even in the emergency lane, is not encouraged due to numerous potential collision risks. Expressways in Vietnam have regularly spaced rest stops, so drivers need to assess their health and route before driving onto an expressway.
If drowsy on an expressway, identify the nearest rest stop to safely rest and refuel before continuing the journey.
During this period, Traffic Police Team 6, Department 6, Traffic Police Department (Cuc CSGT) simultaneously organized ten patrol teams. They used professional cameras to record on key expressways, including: Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay, Phan Thiet - Dau Giay, Phan Thiet - Vinh Hao, Cam Lam - Vinh Hao, Nha Trang - Cam Lam, Van Phong - Nha Trang. Over 60 cases of illegal stopping or parking were detected on 15/3.
Nguyen Vu
