What Driving Distance is Lawful?

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According to current regulations, safe driving distances are detailed in Circular 31/2019/TT-BGTVT which prescribes speed and safe distances for motor vehicles and specialized machines participating in road traffic. Article 11 of Circular 31 stipulates that when driving vehicles participating in road traffic, drivers and operators of specialized machines must maintain a safe distance from the vehicle immediately ahead of theirs. Specifically:

On Dry Roads:

- Speed of 60km/h, minimum safe distance is 35m;- Speed from over 60 to 80km/h, minimum safe distance is 55m;- Speed from over 80 to 100km/h, minimum safe distance is 70m;- Speed from over 100 to 120km/h, minimum safe distance is 100m;- Speed below 60km/h, drivers must proactively maintain an appropriate safe distance with the vehicle immediately ahead; this distance depends on the density of vehicles, and actual traffic conditions to ensure traffic safety.

On Slippery Roads, roads with winding terrain, mountain passes, limited visibility, in rain, or fog, drivers must adjust the safe distance to be greater than the figures indicated on traffic signs or the values stated above.

If a driver participates in traffic and fails to maintain a safe distance resulting in a traffic accident, depending on the severity, the driver will be subject to administrative penalties as stipulated in Decree 46/2016/ND-CP or held criminally liable according to provisions in the Criminal Code 2015.

Thanh Lam

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