Vietnam to Pilot Overtaking-Only Lane on Highways Under Specific Conditions

The Directorate of Road and Railway Traffic Police (Cục CSGT) has announced its plan to pilot an overtaking-only lane on highways, restricting its implementation to routes that meet specific conditions. This initiative aims to streamline traffic flow and enhance the operational efficiency and safety of expressways. According to Colonel Nguyen Quang Nhat, head of the Department of Guidance, Propaganda, Investigation, and Accident Resolution, for an overtaking-only lane to function smoothly, highways must have at least two running lanes in each direction and an emergency stopping lane. Currently, not many highways in Vietnam meet this standard. In the North, examples include Hanoi-Hai Phong, Phap Van-Cau Gie-Ninh Binh, a section of Noi Bai-Lao Cai, and Thang Long Avenue. In the Central region, Da Nang-Quang Ngai and Phan Thiet-Dau Giay are mentioned. In the South, Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay and Ho Chi Minh City-Trung Luong are listed. The overtaking-only lane, designated as the leftmost lane, is intended for passing slower vehicles traveling in the right lanes. After completing a pass, drivers are required to return to the right lane as soon as it is safe to do so. Concerns have been raised by some that many of Vietnam's highways do not meet sufficient standards, with limited lanes. The introduction of an overtaking-only lane could potentially lead to chaos, particularly on routes lacking emergency stopping lanes, which could complicate accident response. The traffic police agency anticipates that this new traffic management approach will help curb situations where slow-moving vehicles occupy the left lane, obstructing traffic behind them. Violations will be strictly handled based on footage from traffic surveillance cameras and information provided by citizens. Dashcam footage can be submitted via hotlines, the VNeTraffic app, or the Directorate's fan page. Colonel Nhat emphasized that the primary goal of this initiative is to foster a habit among drivers of using lanes according to their designated functions, thereby reducing the occupation of the left lane by slow vehicles and contributing to improved highway efficiency and safety. Source: VnExpress