Motorbikes, bicycles driving against traffic a daily routine on Ho Chi Minh City streets

On Monday, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters recorded such violations at several major roads including Ut Tich Street near Cong Hoa Intersection in Tan Binh District, Truong Chinh Street at Au Co Intersection in Tan Binh District, Thoai Ngoc Hau Street near Bon Xa Intersection in Tan Phu District, and Truong Sa Street near Le Van Sy Bridge in District 3.

In some cases, long lines of motorbikes were seen riding against oncoming traffic, joined at times by bicycles.

“It often happens during morning and evening rush hours,” said Thuy Trang, a resident of Binh Tan District.

“Motorbikes go the wrong way and risk colliding with vehicles traveling in the correct direction, creating serious traffic hazards.”

A local resident near Truong Sa Street said some riders appear willing to compromise safety to save time.

“They ignore the dangers just to avoid waiting at traffic lights,” the resident said.

Under Decree 168/2024, motorcyclists driving against traffic can face administrative fines of VND4-6 million (US$154–230) and have two points deducted from their driver’s licenses, according to Le Trung Phat, a lawyer of the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association.

“Driving against traffic is extremely dangerous,” Phat said.

“Such violations often lead to severe accidents because other drivers are not prepared to react, and the impact force is higher than collisions involving vehicles traveling in the same direction.”

Residents have called on authorities to strengthen enforcement not only against drivers using sidewalks but also those traveling against traffic or invading restricted lanes, in a bid to improve public safety and order on city streets.