From 27/8, Expressway Traffic Police Team No. 3 will begin fining drivers who fail to comply with safe distance regulations on the Phap Van - Cau Gie - Cao Bo - Mai Son - National Highway 45 - Nghi Son expressway. This announcement comes from the Traffic Police Department (Traffic Police Department, Ministry of Public Security).

The Traffic Police Department explains that maintaining a safe distance on expressways is a crucial habit for drivers to establish. At a speed of 100 km/h, a vehicle travels approximately 28 meters per second. With a 100-meter gap, drivers have only about 3,6 seconds to detect, react, and handle a situation—this is the minimum time needed for safety.

Statistics reveal that failure to maintain safe distances directly causes over 30% of serious traffic accidents on expressways. To thoroughly prevent accidents, the Traffic Police Department emphasizes strict adherence to safe distance regulations on expressways, intervening before potential risks escalate into consequences.

Graphic illustrating safe distance. Photo: Traffic Police Department

In the coming time, the Traffic Police Department will maximize the use of smart surveillance camera systems and professional technical equipment. This will allow them to focus on monitoring, issuing cold fines based on footage, and directly fining violations.

According to Circular 38/2024, which regulates the speed and safe distance for motor vehicles and specialized motorcycles on roads, specific guidelines apply. Under normal weather conditions and on dry roads, vehicles traveling above 60 km/h must maintain a minimum safe distance of 55 meters from the vehicle immediately ahead. Drivers who keep a distance under 55 meters will be considered in violation.

In situations with high traffic volume or congestion due to an incident ahead, drivers traveling below 60 km/h must proactively maintain an appropriate safe distance from the vehicle immediately in front of them. This distance depends on vehicle density and actual traffic conditions to ensure safety.

Drivers must adjust their safe distance to be greater than the value indicated on road signs or the value specified for favorable weather conditions when facing adverse conditions. These conditions include rain, fog, slippery roads, winding terrain, mountain passes, or limited visibility.

"Maintaining a safe distance is not a regulation designed to inconvenience drivers; rather, it aims to create safe habits that protect individuals, families, and the community", a representative of the Department stated.

According to Decree 168/2024, drivers who fail to maintain a safe distance without causing a collision will be fined from 4 to 6 million dong, and 2 points will be deducted from their driver's license. If the violation causes a traffic accident, the fine increases significantly, ranging from 20 to 22 million dong, with a deduction of 10 points from their driver's license.

Currently, to help road users accurately adjust their distance, the road management unit has placed clusters of distance signs (0 m - 50 m - 100 m) along the expressway lanes.

Viet An