How to overtake to avoid heavy fines under new regulations?

In reality, when participating in traffic, many drivers often have the habit of carelessly overtaking, which is common on highways and national highways. There are many cases of overtaking on the right, encroaching on the lane, not keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front, leading to the risk of accidents. This is not only an unsafe situation but also a violation of the Traffic Law.

Previously, the violation of overtaking by motorbike drivers was punished with a fine of VND 100,000 to VND 1 million, depending on the case and specifically regulated in Article 6, Decree 100/2019/ND-CP (Decree 100). Currently, Decree 168/2024/ND-CP (Decree 168) effective from January 1, 2025 has made many changes in the penalty level for this behavior.

According to Article 7 of Decree 168, motorcyclists who violate the rules of overtaking in prohibited cases, without signaling, overtaking on the right when not allowed... can be fined from 200,000 VND to 1 million VND, depending on the violation. In the case of overtaking in violation of regulations causing a traffic accident, the driver will be fined 10 - 14 million VND, and 10 points will be deducted from the driver's license.

For car drivers, illegal overtaking is subject to heavier penalties under the new Decree.

Previously, this behavior was only fined from 2 to 6 million VND in some cases such as overtaking in a road tunnel in the wrong place; in cases where overtaking is not allowed; on a road section with a sign prohibiting overtaking; not signaling before overtaking; overtaking on the right side of another vehicle in cases where overtaking is not allowed. If an accident is caused, the fine will be from 10 to 12 million VND. This regulation is based on Clause 3, Article 2, Decree 123/2021/ND-CP, which has been amended and supplemented from Article 5, Decree 100.

Currently, according to Clause 5 and 10, Article 6, Decree 168, the act of driving a car recklessly, not in accordance with regulations in areas with no-overtaking signs; overtaking on the right; not signaling when overtaking... will be fined from 4 to 6 million VND and have 2 driving license points deducted. In case of causing an accident, the penalty will be "stronger", with a fine of 20 to 22 million VND and a deduction of 10 driving license points.

How to overtake safely?

In addition to experience and reflexes, overtaking must still follow the rules to ensure safety. This is clearly stated in the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety in 2024.

According to Article 14, overtaking must be done on the left. Only in some special cases such as the vehicle in front is turning left or has a left turn signal, or a special vehicle is working and cannot overtake on the left, can overtaking be done on the right. In addition, the vehicle wishing to overtake must ensure that there are no obstacles ahead, no oncoming vehicles on the road section intended for overtaking, and the vehicle in front has no overtaking signal.

When overtaking, the driver must signal the direction of change by lights or horn (except for primitive vehicles which do not have this device). At the same time, the signal must be maintained throughout the overtaking process, keeping a safe distance from the overtaking vehicle and surrounding vehicles.

The vehicle in front must also be responsible for ensuring safety. Specifically, the driver in front must observe, if conditions permit, reduce speed, turn on the right turn signal and move close to the right side of the road to give way. If conditions are not safe or there is an obstacle ahead, the driver must turn on the left turn signal to indicate that he cannot give way.

These regulations not only help reduce the risk of collision but also demonstrate awareness and culture when participating in traffic. Instead of overtaking recklessly and hastily just to gain a few seconds, each driver needs to consider carefully, respect the law and the lives of themselves and others on the road.