Since the beginning of 2025, the Vietnam Road Administration, in coordination with local authorities, has conducted a comprehensive review of traffic signs and signals nationwide. The review of nearly 7,000 traffic signals revealed 1,025 with issues such as missing countdown timers, small and difficult-to-see lights, and some signals that were outdated, past their lifespan, or operating erratically. Some older signals using outdated technology required manual control.

Authorities also reviewed approximately 10,520 traffic signs across the country. Issues included non-standard sizes, suboptimal placement, faded signs, or signs requiring additional information. Some signs on national highways, while technically compliant, had poorly arranged information or were placed in confusing locations.

The Vietnam Road Administration has directed Road Management Zones and local Construction Departments to immediately rectify the signal and sign problems. They've also been asked to document lessons learned to prevent future confusion and frustration for road users.

Traffic lights at the head of Chuong Duong bridge, Hanoi. Photo: Minh Quan

Traffic lights at the head of Chuong Duong bridge, Hanoi. Photo: Minh Quan

In February, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha tasked the Ministry of Transport to lead a comprehensive review with the Ministry of Public Security and local authorities. Their goal was to address issues with traffic signs, signals, and parking permits that contribute to traffic conflicts.

Previously, some intersections in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City experienced irregular traffic signal changes, including instances where signals failed to change even after the countdown timer expired. This led to unintentional traffic violations.

According to the Traffic Police Department, the primary cause was technical errors in some intersections using older, manually controlled signals. This caused delays in switching signal cycles between peak and off-peak hours.

Anh Duy