Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT stipulating the speed limits and safe distances for motor vehicles and specialized motor vehicles participating in traffic in Vietnam
Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT stipulating the speed limits and safe distances for motor vehicles and specialized motor vehicles participating in traffic in Vietnam
On November 15, 2024, the Minister of Transport of Vietnam issued Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT on regulations on the design speed of roadways; operating speed and safe distance of motor vehicles and specialized motor vehicles when participating in traffic on roads, except for priority vehicles performing duties according to the provisions of the law.
Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT applies to drivers, operators of specialized motor vehicles, and organizations and individuals related to the management and implementation of regulations on design speed, operating speed of roads, and safe distance of motor vehicles and specialized motor vehicles when participating in traffic on roads.
Article 4 of Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT specifies the principles for complying with operating speed and safe distance regulations when operating vehicles on roads as follows:
- When participating in traffic on roads, drivers and operators of specialized motor vehicles must comply with the regulations on operating speed and safe distance.
- In sections of the road where there are no signs indicating maximum operating speed or signs showing safe distance between vehicles, vehicle operators must follow the provisions in Articles 6, 7, 8, and 11 of Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT.
Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT will take effect from January 1, 2025, and will replace Circular 31/2019/TT-BGTVT.
Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT stipulating the speed limits and safe distances for motor vehicles and specialized motor vehicles participating in traffic in Vietnam (Image from the Internet)
What are regulations on safe distance between two vehicles when participating in road traffic in Vietnam?
Pursuant to Article 11 of Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT, the safe distance between two vehicles when participating in road traffic is regulated as follows:
- In conditions of dry road surfaces, no fog, non-slippery surfaces, flat terrain, straight roads, and ensured visibility, the safe distance for each speed is regulated as follows:
|
Operating Speed (V km/h |
Safe Distance (m) |
|
V = 60 |
35 |
|
60 < V ≤ 80 |
55 |
|
80 < V ≤ 100 |
70 |
|
100 < V ≤ 120 |
100 |
When operating a vehicle at a speed below 60 km/h, the driver or operator of a specialized motor vehicle must actively maintain a safe distance appropriate to the vehicle ahead, depending on the vehicle density and actual traffic conditions to ensure traffic safety.
- In conditions of rain, fog, slippery road surfaces, winding terrains, steep slopes, and limited visibility, drivers must adjust the safe distance to be greater than the value indicated on the signs or the value specified above.
When must drivers of road traffic vehicles in Vietnam observe, reduce speed, or stop to ensure safety?
Based on Article 12 of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024 on compliance with speed and spacing regulations:
Article 12. Compliance with Regulations on Speed and Spacing Between Vehicles
- Drivers or operators of specialized motor vehicles must comply with regulations on speed and minimum safe distance from the vehicle in front in the same lane or on the same part of the road.
- Road traffic vehicle operators must ensure their speed is consistent with the conditions of the bridge, road, traffic density, terrain, weather, and other affecting factors to ensure safety.
- Road traffic vehicle operators must observe, reduce speed, or stop to ensure safety in the following situations:
a) At places with road markings or other signals dedicated for pedestrians or at places where pedestrians, or wheelchair users are crossing;
b) There is a danger warning signal or an obstacle on the road;
c) When changing vehicle direction or when visibility is restricted;
d) At intersections with other roads or railways at the same level; narrow roads, curved roads, winding roads, mountain passes, slopes;
e) At narrow bridges, culverts, fords, submerged roads, tunnels, road underpasses;
[...]
Hence, road traffic vehicle operators must observe, reduce speed, or stop to ensure safety in the following situations:
- At places with road markings or other signals for pedestrians or at places where pedestrians, or wheelchair users are crossing.
- There is a warning signal of danger or an obstacle on the road.
- When changing vehicle direction or when visibility is restricted.
- At intersections with other roads or railways at the same level; narrow roads, curved roads, winding roads, mountain passes, slopes.
- At narrow bridges, culverts, fords, submerged roads, tunnels, road underpasses.
- Areas with schools, hospitals, bus stations, public works with large crowds, densely populated areas, markets, or road construction sites, road traffic accident scenes.
- Animals on the road or being grazed by the roadside.
- To avoid oncoming vehicles or when allowing vehicles behind to overtake; when there is a signal requesting right of way, emergency signals from vehicles ahead in the same direction.
- Bus stops, parking on roads where passengers are getting on or off vehicles.
- When encountering vehicles transporting oversized, overweight, hazardous goods; pedestrian groups.
- When encountering priority vehicles.
- In conditions of rain, wind, fog, smoke, dust, slippery road surfaces, mud, or many stones or materials lying on the road affecting road traffic safety.
- Areas where road traffic control is being organized.
