Overtaking-only left lanes proposed for pilot on two expressways in northern Vietnam

The proposal would be implemented on the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway and the Cau Gie-Cao Bo Expressway, specifically the Cau Gie-Ninh Binh section.

Under the plan, the far-left lane next to the central median would be designated as an overtaking-only lane.

Drivers would be required to return to a lane on the right after completing an overtaking maneuver and maintaining a safe distance.

Vehicles would not be allowed to remain in the overtaking lane when the lanes to the right are clear.

According to the Traffic Police Department, the measure is intended to discourage motorists from continuously occupying the left lane and to improve safety for vehicles overtaking slower traffic.

For National Highway 6, the Traffic Police Department has asked the Department for Roads of Vietnam to direct regional road management authorities to review and reorganize traffic flow, including extending solid lane markings and installing flexible median barriers at high-risk sections.

The department has also proposed a complete ban on the use of oncoming traffic lanes for overtaking. 

Overtaking would only be permitted on road sections that meet safety requirements or where dedicated overtaking lanes are provided.

The proposal also calls for reducing the maximum operating speed on the pilot routes to 100 kilometers per hour.

To support enforcement, authorities plan to upgrade AI-enabled traffic cameras to track vehicles traveling in the overtaking lane and provide evidence for automated fines.

If approved, the pilot program is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. After three months, the Traffic Police Department and the Vietnam Road Administration will evaluate its impact on traffic flow and road safety before considering amendments to relevant regulations.

The proposal comes amid growing concerns over poor lane discipline on Vietnam's expressways, where some motorists remain in the far-left lane despite traveling below the speed of surrounding traffic.

Authorities say the practice can impede traffic flow and increase the likelihood of risky overtaking maneuvers by faster-moving vehicles.