Vietnam bans trucks, passenger buses from running next to median along 2 major expressways

This move follows a pilot phase that began in mid-August.

The ban, part of the new regulations on lanes and speed, which took effect on September 19, is aimed at improving traffic safety and lane discipline on the country’s high-speed roads.

The 29-kilometer-long Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway comprises six lanes, with three in each direction, along with two emergency lanes.

Each driving lane is 3.75 meters wide, while the emergency lanes are three meters wide.

Lane 1 allows a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour and a minimum velocity of 80 kilometers per hour.

In lane 2, drivers are allowed to travel at a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour and a minimum speed of 70 kilometers per hour.

Meanwhile, lane 3 allows a speed ranging from 60 to 100 kilometers per hour.

The 105-kilometer-long Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway also features six traffic lanes and two emergency lanes.

This expressway has slightly higher speed limits, with lane 1 allowing a speed of 90–120 kilometers per hour, lane 2 80–120 km/h, and lane 3 60–100 km/h

Under the new regulations, drivers on the two expressways are not permitted to make U-turns, and must not enter emergency lanes except in the case of breakdowns or other genuine emergencies.

To ensure the smooth rollout of the new regulations, the department has tasked Phap Van – Cau Gie BOT Joint Stock Company and Vietnam Infrastructure Development and Finance Investment JSC with reviewing and aligning the approved traffic plans.

These entities are responsible for notifying the traffic police units of these traffic measures.

The Department for Roads of Vietnam began a trial ban on trucks using lane 1 on both expressways on August 15.

Officials also directed the expressway investors to develop proposals for a ban on passenger buses using lane 1.