Vietnam Proposes 'Overtake-Only' Lanes on Expressways to Ease Congestion

The Directorate of Road Traffic Police (CSGT) has proposed a new traffic regulation for expressways, designating the lane closest to the central divider as an 'overtake-only' lane. Under this proposal, vehicles will only be permitted to use this lane when overtaking a slower vehicle ahead. After completing the overtake, drivers must return to the right lane. This proposal has been agreed upon with the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, aiming to provide solutions for infrastructure planning, construction design, and road traffic organization in a safe and modern direction. According to the CSGT, on many expressways, a portion of drivers, particularly those operating trucks and passenger buses, tend to travel at low speeds while continuously occupying the left lane (lane 1) next to the central divider. This behavior obstructs the flow of traffic behind, leading to prolonged congestion and causing frustration among other drivers. The 2024 Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety stipulates that slower vehicles must move to the right according to the direction of travel. However, the CSGT notes that clearer traffic organization measures are needed to effectively address the behavior of intentionally not yielding the lane. Under the proposal, lane 1 will be exclusively for overtaking. Drivers on lane 2, encountering a slower vehicle ahead, will be allowed to move to lane 1 to overtake. Upon completion of the overtake, the vehicle must return to the right lane and comply with lane change regulations. The CSGT emphasizes that continuous driving on the overtaking lane will not be permitted. The CSGT believes that organizing traffic in this manner will increase traffic capacity, reduce the occupation of the left lane, and enhance safety on expressways. Previously, at the request of the CSGT, the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam organized traffic on some eligible expressways by prohibiting trucks and passenger buses from entering the lane closest to the central divider. This initial measure has reportedly helped to make traffic flow more smoothly. In addition to the overtake-only lane proposal, the CSGT is also researching solutions such as prohibiting stopping and parking except in designated areas, eliminating mixed traffic, reducing the number of signs, organizing traffic for vehicles to travel at relatively uniform speeds in each lane, and proceeding in a continuous line to limit lane changes and traffic conflicts. They are also working to reduce intersections, increase traffic throughput, and prioritize vulnerable road users.