Maximum speed limit for automobiles participating in traffic in Vietnam from 2025

The Minister of Transport of Vietnam issues Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT dated November 15, 2024, on speed and safe distance of motor vehicles and specialized motor vehicles participating in road traffic.

Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT takes effect from January 1, 2025.

1. Maximum speed of automobiles in traffic from 2025 except when operating on highways in Vietnam

As stipulated in Article 6 of Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT, the maximum speed for automobiles in traffic from January 1, 2025 (except when operating on highways) is specified as follows:

(1) Maximum speed for automobiles in densely populated areas (except for four-wheeled passenger cars with engines, four-wheeled cargo trucks with engines)

| Maximum Exploitation Speed (km/h) || --- || Two-way roads; one-way roads with two or more motor vehicle lanes | Two-way roads; one-way roads with a single motor vehicle lane || 60 | 50 |

(2) Maximum speed for automobiles outside densely populated areas

2. Maximum speed for automobiles on highways in Vietnam from 2025

Article 9 of Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT stipulates the maximum speed for automobiles on highways from 2025:

- Highways must have maximum and minimum exploitation speed signs posted.

- The maximum exploitation speed permitted on highways is 120 km/h.

- The minimum exploitation speed permitted on highways is 60 km/h. In cases where the highway design speed is 60 km/h, the minimum exploitation speed will be implemented according to the traffic organization plan approved by the competent authority.

- The values for maximum and minimum exploitation speed permitted on highways, including ingress and egress roads, are determined in the traffic organization plan approved by the competent authority.

3. Safe distance between two vehicles in road traffic in Vietnam from January 1, 2025

Based on Article 11 of Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT regarding the safe distance between two vehicles in road traffic as follows:

- When controlling vehicles participating in road traffic, drivers and specialized motor vehicles operators must maintain a safe distance from the vehicle directly in front on the same lane or part of the road and in the same direction as theirs; in places with the "Minimum Distance Between Two vehicles " sign, the distance must not be less than the value indicated on the sign.

- Safe distance between two vehicles in road traffic

+ In conditions where the road surface is dry, without fog, the road is not slippery, with flat and straight terrain, and visibility is ensured, the safe distance corresponding to each speed is specified as follows:

When driving at a speed below 60 km/h, the driver, and specialized motor vehicles operator must proactively maintain a suitable safe distance from the vehicle directly in front; this distance depends on the density of vehicles and the actual traffic situation to ensure traffic safety.

+ In conditions of rain, fog, slippery roads, with winding, mountainous terrain, limited visibility, the driver must adjust the safe distance greater than the values indicated on the sign or the values specified in point a, clause 2 of Article 11 of Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT.

Thus, drivers in traffic must maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front following the new regulations in Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT, specifically: Under dry road conditions and ensured visibility, the safe distance is prescribed according to speed as follows: 35m (speed 60 km/h), 55m (60-80 km/h), 70m (80-100 km/h), and 100m (100-120 km/h). In adverse weather conditions, the distance should be adjusted appropriately to ensure safety, not less than the minimum value indicated on the sign or legal regulations.

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