Common mistakes and fines when driving on the highway
During the National Day holiday on September 2, the traffic on the highway is expected to be very heavy. Below are some common mistakes drivers make when traveling on the highway.
During the National Day holiday on September 2 this year, the number of vehicles participating in traffic increased significantly, especially on highways connecting major cities and tourist destinations. This requires drivers to be especially careful to avoid accidents that can lead to serious consequences.
Below are common mistakes that drivers often make when traveling on the highway along with the penalties:
Not keeping a safe distance
One of the leading causes of multiple accidents on the highway is failure to maintain a safe distance between vehicles. When traveling on the highway, high speeds and dense traffic require drivers to maintain a reasonable distance to be able to handle an incident promptly.
According to Circular 31/2019/TT-BGTVT of the Ministry of Transport, the minimum safe distance between vehicles depends on the speed of travel, according to the table below:
| Speed (km/h) | Safe distance (m) |
|---|---|
| 60 | 35 |
| From 60 to 80 | 55 |
| From 80 to 100 | 70 |
| From 100 to 120 | 100 |
According to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, as amended by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP, drivers who violate the safety distance may face different penalties depending on the severity of the violation.
Specifically, if the driver does not keep a safe distance and causes a collision with the vehicle in front, he or she will be fined from 800,000 to 1 million VND.
For violations of safe distance on the highway, the fine will increase from 4-6 million VND, along with the driver's license being revoked for 2-4 months. If this violation causes a traffic accident, the driver will be subject to a heavier fine of 10-12 million VND, along with the driver's license being revoked for 2-4 months.
Enter the emergency lane
The emergency lane on the highway is a lane reserved for priority vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks or vehicles in trouble. However, many drivers abuse this lane to overtake when there is a traffic jam, which not only violates the Road Traffic Law but also hinders rescue vehicles.
According to Point g, Clause 5, Article 5 of Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, amended and supplemented by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP, drivers will be fined from 4-6 million VND for driving into the emergency lane on the highway without a valid reason. In addition, the driver will also have his/her driving license revoked for 1-3 months.
Drive slower than the speed limit
The minimum and maximum speeds on the highway are clearly regulated to ensure smooth and safe traffic. However, many drivers still make the mistake of driving below the minimum speed, causing traffic congestion and a high risk of accidents. This is especially dangerous when the vehicle moves slowly in the left lane, making it difficult for vehicles to overtake.
According to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, amended by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP, drivers who violate the speed limit will face different penalties depending on the situation.
If a driver drives slower than a vehicle going in the same direction and does not move to the right side of the road, he will be fined from 400,000 to 600,000 VND. If the driver does not yield to an overtaking vehicle when it is safe to do so, the fine will increase to 2-3 million VND, and his driver's license will be revoked for 1 to 3 months.
Driving in the wrong direction, reversing on the highway
Reversing or going the wrong way on the highway is extremely dangerous and can cause serious accidents. Highways are designed to go in one direction only. Reversing or going the wrong way on the highway will make surrounding vehicles unable to control their speed and distance, which can easily lead to catastrophic accidents.
According to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, amended by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP, drivers who violate the law by reversing or driving in the wrong direction on the highway will be subject to strict penalties.
Specifically, reversing or driving in the wrong direction on the highway will result in a fine of 16-18 million VND. In addition, violators will also have their driving licenses revoked for 5-7 months. These penalties are intended to deter and prevent dangerous behaviors that can cause serious accidents on the highway.
Stopping and parking on the highway
On the highway, stopping and parking are only allowed in designated areas to ensure safety. If forced to stop or park in an unauthorized area, the driver must move the vehicle off the roadway or clearly signal so that other vehicles can recognize and avoid collisions.
According to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, amended by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP, drivers who stop or park in the wrong place on the highway will be fined from 10-12 million VND. In addition, if the violation causes a traffic accident, the driver will also have their driver's license revoked for 2 to 4 months.