Vietnam’s Hoi An installs 30kph speed limit signs on major roads

In recent days, signs have appeared on several main roads leading into Hoi An, including Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ly Thuong Kiet, and Hai Ba Trung Streets.

Drivers entering from the An Bang intersection are now required to slow down when passing through rice fields and into the heritage quarter center, where traffic often becomes dense.

The speed limit applies throughout the day or during specific hours, depending on the road.

Streets closer to the ancient town such as Phan Chu Trinh and Hung Vuong also have similar restrictions below 30kph.

While local taxi drivers are familiar with the changes, first-time visitors or tourists driving themselves may not be aware, increasing the risk of speeding.

One local driver said the narrow roads and heavy traffic during peak hours already made it difficult to travel faster than 30kph.

Earlier, the construction authority of the former Quang Nam Province on June 19 proposed changes to traffic management on Hoi An’s roads to ensure safety and better accommodate electric vehicles used in tourism.

According to the Vietnamese government’s Decree 165, issued in 2024 and effective from February 15, 2025, electric vehicles are allowed to only operate on roads with posted speed limits not exceeding 30kph.

Without these signs, the 123 electric vehicles currently operating in Hoi An would be banned.

After reviewing public feedback and traffic conditions, authorities concluded that implementing the 30kph limit on many roads in Hoi An is both necessary and appropriate for the city’s needs.

Hoi An Ancient Town was part of Hoi An City in the former Quang Nam Province.

The old quarter is now under the umbrella of Da Nang, formed by merging Quang Nam and neighboring Da Nang City following the recent major administrative restructuring effective from July 1, in which 63 Vietnamese provinces and cities were reduced to 34.