Nghe An Traffic Police instruct on how to participate in traffic correctly with the continuous lines next to the sidewalk

Currently, many roads in Vinh city have been upgraded and repaired, and the system of signs and road markings has also been adjusted. However, a number of traffic participants still do not fully understand the meaning of signs and road markings, leading to difficulties in complying with traffic regulations, especially with the continuous line running along the lane next to the sidewalk (Line 3.1).

According to Major Hoang Manh Hung, Deputy Head of the Traffic Police Department (Nghe An Provincial Police), based on the National Technical Regulation on Road Signs QCVN 41:2024/BGTVT, issued with Circular 51/2024/TT-BGTVT dated November 15, 2024 of the Ministry of Transport, it is stipulated that:

Line 3.1: Line that limits the outer edge of the roadway or the line that separates the motor vehicle lane and the non-motor vehicle lane.

Meaning of use: to determine the outer edge of the roadway; or to separate motor vehicle lanes and non-motorized vehicles. Vehicles are allowed to cross the line when necessary and must give way to non-motorized vehicles.

Specifications:

- When using line 3.1 (a, b) to determine the outer edge of the roadway (the reinforced shoulder with a structure equivalent to the road surface structure is considered the roadway), the outermost edge of the line is 15 to 30 cm from the outermost edge of the roadway for normal roads and separates the emergency lane from the roadway for expressways. Only draw the line to limit the edge of the roadway on expressways, roads with a roadway width of 7.0 m or more and other necessary cases.

- When using line 3.1 (a, b) to separate the motor vehicle lane and the non-motor vehicle lane, a sign or the word "BICYCLE" or a bicycle symbol must be used on the non-motor vehicle lane.

- Only arrange a lane exclusively for non-motorized vehicles when the density of non-motorized vehicles is high on a road with 2 or more motorized lanes in each direction or in other necessary cases and the width of the road reserved for non-motorized vehicles must be at least 1.5 m. When there is no separate lane for non-motorized vehicles, it is possible to arrange a dividing line for lanes in the same direction 2.1 or 2.1 combined with 2.2.

The line specifications are as follows: Line 3.1a is a single, solid line, line width b = 15 cm - 20 cm. Line 3.1b is a single, dashed line, line width b = (15 cm - 20 cm); solid line distance L1 = 0.6 m; dashed line distance L2 = 0.6 m. Ratio L1/L2 = 1:1.

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Thus, when participating in traffic and encountering road marking line 3.1, vehicle drivers can cross this line if necessary, but must ensure to give way to rudimentary vehicles.

However, when changing direction or lane, the driver must signal in advance and ensure absolute safety for other vehicles and traffic participants in accordance with regulations.