The Traffic Police Department has requested the Vietnam Road Administration to review and install signs at four locations on each of the twelve expressways: Noi Bai - Lao Cai; Ha Noi - Hai Phong; Hai Phong - Mong Cai; Nghi Son - Dien Chau - Bai Vot - Ham Nghi - Vung Ang - Bung - Van Ninh - Cam Lo; Da Nang - Quang Ngai; TP HCM - Long Thanh - Dau Giay; Phan Thiet - Dau Giay; Vinh Hao - Phan Thiet; Trung Luong - My Thuan; My Thuan - Can Tho; Ben Luc - Long Thanh; Bien Hoa - Vung Tau.

The two expressways, Phap Van - Cao Bo - Mai Son - national route 45 - Nghi Son and Can Tho - Ca Mau, will each have eight locations. The Quang Ngai - Hoai Nhon - Quy Nhon - Chi Thanh - Van Phong expressway will have seven locations, and the TP HCM - Trung Luong expressway will have six locations.

A representative from the Vietnam Road Administration stated that the agency has instructed road management zones, several construction departments, the Vietnam Expressway Development Investment Corporation (VEC), and BOT project enterprises to review and install signaling systems that determine safe distances between motor vehicles on expressways. These units are required to report their findings by 31/10.

Installation must comply with national technical standard on road signs QCVN 41:2024. This includes line 7.8, which defines vehicle distance, and distance signs for 0 m, 50 m, 100 m, 150 m, and 200 m at specified locations.

The Vietnam Road Administration requires that installations be based on actual operating conditions, avoiding mechanical placement. In areas prone to frequent congestion, with significant longitudinal slopes, located on curves, or lacking adequate visibility, all parties must agree not to install road markings and distance signs for now.

Expressway management and operation units must also review existing signaling systems, repair worn or faded road markings, and add any missing signs, particularly at the 150 m and 200 m markers.

Distance sign on an expressway. *Photo: Nguyen Vu*

This initiative is in response to Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc's directive during a meeting in early September to review safe distance regulations between vehicles. The Deputy Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Construction to coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security and local authorities to install signs on expressway sections where administrative penalties are enforced for failing to maintain a safe distance. This aims to help drivers recognize and adhere to the regulations.

Since 27/8, traffic police have been fining drivers for failing to maintain a safe distance on the Phap Van - Nghi Son expressway, with penalties reaching 6 million Vietnamese dong. This enforcement has generated mixed reactions, with some sections of the road experiencing congestion as drivers slow down to ensure they maintain the required distance.

Decree 168/2024 stipulates that car drivers who fail to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle immediately ahead on an expressway will be fined 4 to 6 million Vietnamese dong and have two points deducted from their driver's license. If this action causes a traffic accident, the driver will face a fine of 20 to 22 million Vietnamese dong and a deduction of ten points from their driver's license.

Doan Loan