Driver fined $492 for changing tire on expressway in northern Vietnam

The driver, identified as N.V.S., a resident of Tam Son Commune under northern Phu Tho Province, was booked for his offenses.

At 6:18 am on Wednesday, S. stopped his Toyota Fortuner on the Phap Van - Cau Gie - Cao Bo - Mai Son - National Highway 45 Expressway to replace a damaged tire.

He told officers that the vehicle suffered a tire malfunction, forcing him to pull over on the expressway to perform the replacement.

His actions were captured by the expressway’s surveillance camera system, and the Traffic Command Center under the Traffic Police Department promptly issued a warning.

According to police officers, the driver failed to place a warning sign at least 150 meters behind the vehicle, a required safety measure in case of a halt following a technical failure that forces a vehicle to occupy part of a driving lane on an expressway.

This violation carries a penalty of VND13 million and a deduction of six points from the driver’s license.

“Another serious concern was that the passengers remained around the vehicle during the tire change, standing or sitting on the shoulder of the expressway instead of moving beyond the guardrail," stated the Traffic Police Department.

“This posed significant risks in the event of an accident or other emergency."

The department advises that in case of a breakdown, drivers should move the vehicle into the emergency lane if it remains operational.

If the vehicle is immobile and must occupy part of a driving lane, proper warning signs must be placed according to regulations.

Passengers are also urged to exit the vehicle and wait outside the expressway area for their safety.