Many motorbike riders ignore no-turn signs in downtown Ho Chi Minh City

Some readers of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper have complained that though signs prohibiting left turns, right turns, and U-turns are now a common sight on major streets in the city, motorbike and car drivers casually turn or make U-turns in the middle of crowded streets.

At the intersection of Phan Dang Luu and Bui Huu Nghia Streets in Binh Thanh Ward, there are three separate signs clearly prohibiting left and right turns.

However, dozens of motorbikes make illegal turns there every day.

Many riders admitted that they continued to use old routes out of habit or to avoid taking longer detours through narrower streets.

Others simply explained that they didn’t notice the sign.

Minh Thu, a resident of Gia Dinh Ward, shared that during rush hour, everyone tries to turn left, causing constant gridlock.

Those who follow the law end up stuck and delayed because of others, she bemoaned.

A similar situation occurs at the intersection of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Cong Quynh Streets in Pham Ngu Lao Ward, where signs prohibit left turns and U-turns from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Despite the signs, many vehicles still make U-turns near Tu Du Hospital, causing traffic backups that even affect ambulances trying to pass through.

On Rach Bung Binh Street in Nhieu Loc Ward, where left turns are banned from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, some motorcyclists still weave through heavy traffic to turn illegally onto Cach Mang Thang Tam Street.

Traffic police have repeatedly issued warnings and fines, but violations persist.

‘No Left Turn’ signs along such streets as Nguyen Thi Minh Khai in Ban Co Ward, Cong Quynh in Pham Ngu Lao Ward, and Rach Bung Binh are placed quite high, above the normal line of sight for motorbike riders.

As a result, some riders may fail to notice them, especially in dense traffic.

Hoang Huy, a regular commuter through Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Intersection, shared that some people genuinely did not see the signs, which was understandable.

“However, others know the rule and just ignore it. I’ve nearly collided with them several times,” he said.

In fact, several intersections in Vuon Lai, Binh Thanh and Gia Dinh Wards already have designated lanes that allow legal left turns.

Yet, many drivers fail to follow the directional signs for these lanes, often choosing the ‘old, more convenient’ routes and deliberately disregarding traffic regulations.