Vietnam traffic police target slow vehicles blocking the fast lane

Vietnam’s Traffic Police Department plans to crack down on drivers who move slowly while occupying the left lane on expressways, where the lane nearest the median is intended for faster traffic and overtaking.

The department said many drivers continue to travel at low speeds in the first lane, obstructing traffic and limiting the movement of other vehicles. It plans to coordinate several measures, including reorganizing traffic on some expressways and proposing minimum speeds for the first and second lanes at no more than 20% below the maximum speed.

Drivers who travel below the minimum speed, or who drive more slowly than other vehicles in the same direction without moving to the right, could face strict penalties. The exception would apply when other vehicles are exceeding the legal speed limit. Authorities also plan to promote lane discipline. After overtaking in the first lane, drivers should move to the second lane when safe. Drivers in the first lane should move over when a vehicle behind signals that it wants to pass.

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lock the lane

The issue has drawn support from motorists on social media. One user said a slow vehicle occupying the left lane can “lock” the lane, reduce the speed of traffic behind it and make it harder for vehicles to maintain safe distances. Another user described seeing a white-plate Mitsubishi Xpander traveling at about 60 kph in the left lane on the Trung Luong to Ho Chi Minh City expressway, alongside a learner-driven Zace in the right lane. The two vehicles reportedly kept traffic backed up for several kilometers.

Other users welcomed tougher enforcement, saying expressways are designed for fast travel and should not be treated as places to drive slowly while sightseeing.

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chill chill and enjoy the scenery