Vietnam's Traffic Police Department is studying a proposal to designate the lane nearest the median barrier on expressways as a dedicated passing lane, where drivers would be prohibited from remaining continuously after completing an overtaking maneuver.

The Traffic Police Department is working with the Vietnam Road Administration on a pilot scheme for selected expressways, aiming to promote safer and more disciplined driving while improving traffic flow.

Leftmost lane reserved for overtaking

According to the Traffic Police Department, many expressways in Vietnam currently have only two or three traffic lanes in each direction, with a single emergency lane or, in some cases, no emergency lane at all.

Under the proposal, the leftmost lane (Lane 1) adjacent to the median barrier would be reserved primarily for overtaking.

Drivers would not be allowed to remain in the lane continuously. After safely passing a slower vehicle, motorists would be required to return promptly to their original lane - typically Lane 2 or Lane 3 - provided those lanes are clear.

The proposed rule would apply to all types of vehicles, including passenger cars.

Authorities also advise inexperienced drivers and motorists traveling at lower speeds to remain in the right-hand lanes and avoid entering the passing lane unless overtaking, so as not to impede faster-moving traffic.

Enforcement through cameras

Traffic police said compliance would be monitored using images and video collected from expressway surveillance cameras, as well as dashboard camera footage submitted by members of the public.

For example, if a vehicle moves into the leftmost lane to overtake but continues traveling there even though the adjacent lanes are clear, authorities said such footage could serve as evidence of a violation.

Drivers using the passing lane would still be required to observe both the minimum speed requirement and the maximum speed limit applicable to the expressway.

Officials noted that exceptions would apply in emergency situations or other force majeure circumstances.

Pilot project planned in northern Vietnam

Authorities plan to launch the pilot on a qualifying expressway in northern Vietnam, most likely one with at least two or three lanes in each direction.

The objective is to encourage the driving principle of "keep right except to pass," helping traffic move more smoothly and safely.

Following an evaluation of the pilot, the model could be expanded to other eligible expressways nationwide.

Traffic police said enforcement would rely entirely on camera-based evidence and encouraged motorists to submit dashboard camera footage of traffic violations to assist authorities in maintaining road safety and traffic order.

Dinh Hieu