Businesses in Ho Chi Minh City remove illegal sidewalk ads amid crackdown

These outdoor advertising boards were removed from the sidewalks along Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, and Pasteur Streets.

The removal, often carried out after dark, targeted installations accused of violating regulations by obstructing visibility and posing risks to road users.

However, some remain undismantled, hindering road users’ visibility.

Late on Monday, a brightly lit billboard displaying the logo of state-run mobile carrier VNPT was still in place near the intersection of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and Pham Ngoc Thach Street, causing glare for commuters.

Similarly, a sign operated by communication firm Vinama remained illuminated on Ton Duc Thang Street, occupying the sidewalk space.

Improperly placed advertising boards, especially those that obscure traffic signals or produce excessive brightness, have been identified as potential hazards, increasing the risk of accidents by limiting drivers’ visibility.

On April 5, the municipal Department of Construction uncovered multiple unauthorized installations by VNPT-Ho Chi Minh City, including multi-function information stations and base transceiver stations on the sidewalks at central intersections.

Subsequent inspections revealed additional violations while the firm failed to provide legal documentation.

Despite orders to dismantle the structures within 24 hours, many remained in place beyond the deadline.

The telecommunications operator has explained that the installations were based on previously issued permits and pledged to follow the city’s final ruling.

The municipal People’s Committee has issued a directive ordering tighter control over outdoor advertising.

A recent review by the municipal Department of Culture and Sports identified 748 locations with more than 1,100 violations involving wall-mounted signs, billboards, and lightboxes.

Common breaches included unlicensed installations, incorrect placement or dimensions, and failure to declare advertising content.

Some operators have exploited public messaging formats to run unauthorized commercial advertisements.

Only about 19 percent of older advertising boards were found to have complete legal documentation, while illegal postings and flyers remain widespread, detracting from the cityscape.

The municipal administration has ordered local authorities to conduct comprehensive inspections of all advertising structures and digital screens, verify legal compliance, and enforce strict penalties for violations.

The municipal Department of Culture and Sports has been tasked with proposing broader solutions, while the municipal Department of Construction will review and recommend the removal of illegal structures on public land, transport corridors, and shared urban spaces.

The city aims to prevent recurring breaches and gradually establish an orderly, safe, and visually coherent urban landscape.