Motorcyclists flout traffic rules in Ho Chi Minh City, turn wrong-way riding into dangerous norm

Wrong-way riding has long been a persistent traffic issue in the city, contributing to congestion and increasing the risk of accidents.

Observations in mid-October showed that during the afternoon rush hour, dozens of motorcyclists traveling from Street No. 10 in Binh Hung Hoa Ward intentionally veered left and rode against traffic on Le Duc Anh Street.

They then crossed over to Lien Khu 4-5 Street or continued straight toward Provincial Road No. 10.

The reason behind this behavior appeared to be convenience.

Instead of following the proper route, which requires a nearly-four-kilometer detour via Go May Overpass, many riders opted for an 80-meter shortcut against the flow of traffic to reach Lien Khu 4-5 Street faster.

This shortcut, while illegal, has become a routine part of the daily commute for many.

As soon as the traffic light turned red, long lines of motorbikes could be seen speeding the wrong way down the street, creating chaos and endangering those who were following the rules.

Similar scenes occur daily at multiple locations across the city, particularly during morning and afternoon rush hours.

Notable hotspots include Ba Le Chan Street in Tan Dinh Ward, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in Saigon Ward, Nguyen Xi Street in Binh Thanh Ward, near Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Intersection, Bui Huu Nghia Street in Gia Dinh Ward, and Dang Thuy Tram Street in Binh Loi Trung Ward, among others.

On Do Muoi Street near the Thu Duc wholesale market in Tam Binh Ward, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters recorded streams of motorcyclists riding against traffic day and night.

On October 8 and 15, up to 20 motorbikes were seen riding the wrong way in a single minute in front of the market.

Some residents shared that many market-goers and vendors take this illegal route daily.

Instead of traveling three kilometers via Go Dua Overpass, they choose to ride 500 meters against traffic, citing time constraints or the inconvenience of detouring.

As more people follow suit, the illegal practice turns into a norm.

In some areas, these wrong-way riders have effectively claimed entire lanes for their exclusive use.

Many commuters continue riding the wrong way with the mindset that ‘what’s convenient is right.’

Lax enforcement and limited deterrence have made the situation become increasingly normalized.

The complexity of traffic infrastructure in some areas, particularly the lack of convenient U-turn points, further encourages this behavior.

To tackle the issue, readers and traffic observers have proposed several solutions.

In addition to stricter law enforcement, they recommend increased public education campaigns, installation of AI-powered surveillance cameras at violation hotspots, and a thorough review of traffic infrastructure to provide more accessible turnaround points.