After reflecting on the punishment, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc requested an assessment of the fine and the feasibility of the regulation on vehicles following the vehicle in front on the highway.
On September 1, the Government Office conveyed the direction of Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc after the press reported the traffic situation during the National Day holiday and the punishment of vehicles not keeping their distance on the highway.
The Minister of Construction is assigned to coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security and relevant agencies to carefully evaluate current regulations, fine levels, actual conditions and fundamental solutions to ensure traffic safety. Issues beyond authority must be reported to the Prime Minister in September.
The Deputy Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Construction, and localities to quickly handle press recommendations or propose to competent authorities for adjustments. This is to limit congestion, accidents and traffic insecurity, especially in large cities and urban areas.
Previously, the press reported that many drivers were worried about difficulty accurately estimating distances in meters while driving; or you may be fined if another vehicle suddenly squeezes into the space ahead. Changing lanes, merging, the vehicle in front braking suddenly, or traffic jams can also cause the distance between the two vehicles to narrow unintentionally, making it difficult to distinguish intentional errors from objective situations.
According to Circular 38/2024, when the road is dry, flat, visibility is guaranteed and there is no separate regulation sign, the minimum distance between two vehicles is determined by speed. Vehicles traveling at 60 km/h must be at least 35 meters away from the vehicle in front; above 60 to 80 km/h is 55 m; above 80 to 100 km/h is 70 m; above 100 to 120 km/h is 100 m.
When driving under 60 km/h, drivers must actively maintain a distance appropriate to vehicle density and traffic situation. If it is raining, foggy, slippery roads, steep passes or poor visibility, the distance must be greater than normal or follow the signs.
From August 27, the Traffic Police Department deployed checks on the route Phap Van - Cau Gie - Cao Bo - Mai Son - National Highway 45 - Nghi Son. More than 20 cases have been handled, mainly passenger cars not keeping a distance from the vehicle in front.
The Traffic Police Department said the inspection first aims to help drivers form the habit of complying with speed and distance regulations. Images from surveillance cameras are monitored and classified by authorities to serve propaganda and handle violations.
Recording and fines are only carried out on roads with adequate signs and distance markings according to regulations. The police focus on handling drivers who intentionally follow the car in front for a long time despite being warned or knowing the regulations, rather than issuing widespread fines.
According to the Traffic Police Department, maintaining distance helps drivers have enough time to react when the vehicle in front decelerates or has an incident, thereby preventing multiple collisions and limiting damage if an accident occurs.
In addition to the above content, the Deputy Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Construction, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to implement solutions to prevent congestion and accidents during holidays and Tet. Agencies must accelerate a number of key transportation projects, including belts 2.5 and 3.5 of Hanoi, belt 4 of the Capital Region, belt 3 of Ho Chi Minh City and gateway highways connecting the region.
