Vietnam to Stricter Enforcement on Slow Vehicles in Left Lanes of Highways

Vietnam's Traffic Police (CSGT) is set to implement stricter enforcement against slow-moving vehicles occupying the left lane, the designated overtaking lane, on expressways. This move aims to address the issue of vehicles obstructing traffic flow and limiting vehicle mobility. The CSGT identifies the left lane as an overtaking lane, requiring drivers to move to the right lane after completing an overtake and ensuring safety, especially to allow faster vehicles to pass. However, the agency notes that many drivers continue to drive at low speeds while remaining in the left lane. To tackle this problem, the CSGT plans to implement a coordinated set of solutions. This includes studying traffic organization on some expressways to raise the minimum speed on the left lane and adjacent lanes by no more than 20% compared to the maximum speed. Additionally, strict penalties will be imposed on vehicles traveling below the minimum speed or driving slower than other vehicles in the same direction without moving to the right lane, unless other vehicles in the same direction are exceeding the speed limit. The CSGT believes that reorganizing traffic and penalizing slow-moving vehicles will enhance driver awareness, ensuring smoother traffic flow and safety on expressways. Previously, the CSGT conducted a campaign against unsafe following distances on northern expressways, stating penalties would only be applied when there was sufficient evidence of intentional violation. The enforcement against slow vehicles in the left lane is expected to be carried out alongside traffic organization measures, public awareness campaigns, and promoting the culture of yielding, all aimed at ensuring safe and convenient vehicle movement on highways. Source: VnExpress