Driver fined $510 for stopping on highway without warning signal

A driver in Vietnam faced a hefty fine and license penalty for improperly stopping his vehicle on a highway. The driver, identified as P.Đ.N., 49, was driving a pickup truck on the Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay highway when his vehicle experienced a mechanical issue, forcing him to stop in a traffic lane.

While the driver did activate his hazard lights, he failed to place a warning sign behind his vehicle at the legally required minimum distance of 150 meters. This oversight led to a fine of 13 million Vietnamese dong (approximately $510 USD) and the deduction of six points from his driver's license.

According to traffic police, the driver explained that he had stopped to check the vehicle but forgot to set up the rear warning. He acknowledged the violation after being educated by the police and signed the citation.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about drivers stopping illegally on highways. The authorities have repeatedly warned against such practices, which pose a significant risk of accidents. A recent accident on the Phan Thiet-Dau Giay highway on August 15 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers. In that case, a truck driver who had stopped in the emergency lane to place a warning sign was struck by another vehicle just a minute after stopping, before he could fully deploy the warning.

Traffic police are urging drivers to strictly adhere to regulations when their vehicles break down on highways. This includes activating hazard lights and immediately placing warning signs at least 150 meters behind the vehicle. Drivers should also quickly move to a safe location and contact rescue services or the highway police for assistance.