Does driving a motorbike too slowly violate traffic safety regulations?
Is a motorcyclist driving at a very slow speed considered a violation of road traffic safety regulations? This is a question of concern for Ms. Phan Thi Tuyet (Xuan Lam commune, Nghe An province).
Reply:Based on Article 12 of the 2024 Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, which stipulates compliance with regulations on speed and distance between vehicles, it is clearly stated:
“1. Drivers of vehicles and specialized motorized vehicles must comply with regulations regarding speed and minimum safe distance from the vehicle in front in the same lane or road section.
2. Drivers of vehicles participating in road traffic must ensure that their speed is appropriate to the conditions of the bridge, road, traffic density, terrain, weather, and other influencing factors to ensure safety.
In addition, Clause 1, Article 13 of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024 stipulates:
"Vehicles traveling at a lower speed must move to the right side of the road in their direction of travel."
According to the regulations, driving a motorbike too slowly is not necessarily a violation of the law if the driver ensures safety and stays in the correct lane.
However, driving a motorbike too slowly will be considered a violation if it falls under one of the following cases:
Driving below the minimum speed on a road section where a minimum speed is prescribed, indicated by sign R.306 “Minimum Permissible Speed” according to QCVN 41:2024/BGTVT;
Driving at a low speed but not keeping to the right side of the road, causing traffic obstruction;
Driving too slowly can cause traffic accidents or other serious consequences.
