Many vehicles are driving in the wrong lane on Ben Thuy 1 Bridge.

Ben Thuy 1 Bridge spans the Lam River, connecting Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces. Every day, a large volume of cars, motorbikes, and bicycles cross the bridge.

Previously, because motorcycles shared lanes with cars, many serious accidents occurred on the bridge, resulting in numerous casualties. To ensure traffic safety, authorities have placed signs separating motorcycle and car lanes at both ends of the bridge. Specifically, motorcycles and bicycles travel on the two side roads of the bridge, while cars travel on the two middle lanes.

However, according to our reporter's observations, since the beginning of the year, the situation of people driving in the wrong lane on Ben Thuy 1 Bridge has been quite common. In particular, motorbikes and bicycles frequently enter the lanes designated for cars, posing a risk of traffic congestion and accidents.

Mr. Le Van Trung, from Nghi Xuan district, Ha Tinh province, who works in Vinh City, said: "I frequently cross Ben Thuy 1 bridge and witness many motorbikes mistakenly entering the lane for cars, causing traffic chaos; many motorbikes even carry bulky goods and cross into the opposite lane, forcing car drivers to brake suddenly."

According to our findings, some cases of driving in the wrong lane on Ben Thuy 1 Bridge are due to first-time drivers getting confused or not paying attention to the signs at the beginning of the bridge. However, there are also many cases of drivers intentionally driving in the wrong lane, causing traffic safety hazards.

A representative from the Traffic Police Team of Vinh City Police said that the unit will intensify inspections and coordinate with the Traffic Police Team of Nghi Xuan District Police (Ha Tinh province) to crack down on cases of deliberately driving in the wrong lane on Ben Thuy 1 Bridge.

It is known that not only are motorbikes driving in the wrong lane on Ben Thuy 1 Bridge a problem, but there have also been cases of cars making U-turns on this bridge, which have been strictly dealt with according to regulations.

According to the sign at the bridge, the fine for motorcycles driving in the wrong lane ranges from 200,000 to 400,000 VND, as stipulated in point g, clause 4, article 6 of Decree 171/2013.

However, according to point d, clause 3, Article 7 of Decree 168/2024, effective from January 1, 2025, the fine for driving in the wrong lane for motorcycles has increased from 600,000 to 800,000 VND. Therefore, traffic participants need to pay attention, drive in the correct lane to ensure safety and avoid penalties. In addition, authorities need to update the fines on traffic signs so that people are aware of them.