Deputy prime minister: fines for unsafe following distances need a roadmap

Standing deputy prime minister Pham Gia Tuc has called for fines for vehicles failing to maintain safe following distances to be implemented incrementally, only after infrastructure, technical standards, and comprehensive driver guidance are fully established.

The Government Office announced on 14/9 the conclusions of Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc from a meeting reviewing regulations on safe following distances between road vehicles.

The deputy prime minister assigned the Ministry of Public Security to incorporate safe following distance scenarios on expressways into driver's license training and testing programs. Enforcement of fines must follow a roadmap, combining public awareness campaigns and driver guidance, and only proceed when all conditions regarding infrastructure, equipment, standards, and technical regulations are met. The enforcement process must not cause traffic congestion or conflicts, especially during holidays and Tet when vehicle density is high.

According to government leaders, the requirement to maintain safe following distances on roads, particularly expressways, aligns with the 1968 Vienna Convention, to which Vietnam is a signatory, as well as the Road Law, the Road Traffic Order and Safety Law, and their guiding documents. However, its application on expressways has been limited due to shortcomings in the legal framework, policy communication, and implementation. The timing of fine enforcement has also not been convenient for road users.

The deputy prime minister instructed the Ministry of Construction to promptly amend relevant technical standards and regulations, including Circular 38/2024. Safe following distances should be prescribed according to speed, traffic density, road and bridge conditions, terrain, and weather. As an immediate measure, the Ministry of Construction will coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to place signs on expressway sections where fines for not maintaining distance are enforced, helping drivers recognize and comply.

Hanoi - Hai Phong expressway was congested, section passing Ocean Park 1 and 2 urban areas towards Thanh Tri bridge, afternoon of 2/9. Photo: Pham Chieu

Two weeks ago, following media reports on fining vehicles for not maintaining distance on expressways, the deputy prime minister requested agencies to assess the fine levels and the feasibility of the regulations.

According to Circular 38/2024, when roads are dry, flat, visibility is good, and there are no specific distance signs, vehicles traveling at 60 km/h must maintain a distance of at least 35 m from the vehicle ahead. The minimum corresponding distances for speeds above 60 to 80 km/h is 55 m; above 80 to 100 km/h is 70 m; and above 100 to 120 km/h is 100 m.

When traveling under 60 km/h, drivers must actively maintain a distance appropriate to vehicle density and traffic conditions. If it is raining, foggy, the road is slippery, winding, or visibility is limited, the distance must be greater than that applied under normal conditions or follow road signs.

Determining a violation must be based on the driver's ability to actively maintain distance. If another vehicle suddenly changes lanes and cuts into the space ahead, the following vehicle cannot automatically be considered in violation.

Since 27/8, the Traffic Police Department has been enforcing safe following distances on the Phap Van - Cau Gie - Cao Bo - Mai Son - National Road 45 - Nghi Son route. To date, over 20 cases have been handled, primarily involving passenger cars traveling too close to the vehicle ahead.