Proposing the addition of new, unprecedented equipment in transportation.
In addition to traffic lights and signs, the new regulations stipulate a new device that is appearing in Vietnam for the first time.
The Ministry of Transport is drafting a Circular to issue the National Technical Standard on Road Traffic Signs.
Chapter 16 of the draft regulations concerns road traffic sound signaling equipment.
According to the Ministry of Transport, this is a new regulation added under the Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order, which will take effect from January 1, 2025.
The Ministry of Transport has proposed the following general requirements for road traffic sound signaling equipment:
Audible road signals are used to help warn road users of potential hazards.
The audio signal must ensure clear communication in all weather conditions and road conditions.
Regarding bell devices and loudspeakers, the following regulations apply:
Bells and loudspeakers must operate in sync with other traffic control signals and be switched off immediately after the traffic control signal ends.
The installation of the audio equipment should be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Explaining the necessity of issuing the new circular, the Ministry of Transport stated that the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety and the Law on Roads will come into effect on January 1, 2025; accordingly, the Law on Roads adds many types of roads according to function, management level, and technical level, adds types of road signs (audio equipment), adds traffic organization on expressways with phased investment, etc.
The National Technical Standard on Road Traffic Signs QCVN41:2019/BGTVT, issued with Circular No. 54/2019/TTBGTVT dated December 31, 2019, by the Minister of Transport, has been in effect for over four years. Section 87.2.3, Article 87 (Management Principles) stipulates that "Road traffic signs with symbols, signs, dimensions, colors, and borders that are not entirely consistent with this Standard but do not cause misunderstanding or misinterpretation of their meaning compared to the provisions of this Standard shall remain in effect and will be gradually replaced, to be completed before August 20, 2025."
However, replacing all road signs with symbols, designs, sizes, colors, and borders that do not fully conform to the National Technical Standard across the entire road network before August 20, 2025, will require significant investment for replacement and adjustment. Many existing signs are still in good working condition and effective; there are suggestions to continue using them and gradually replace or adjust them as they become old or damaged (to avoid waste in investment and asset management, in line with social resources). Given the above, the Ministry of Transport believes it is necessary to issue a new National Technical Standard on Road Signs to replace QCVN41:2019/BGTVT to comply with the two new laws and address the shortcomings that have arisen after more than four years of implementation.
