A driver in southern Vietnam has been fined 21 million VND after being found asleep in his car on an expressway, highlighting strict regulations governing emergency lanes.
The incident occurred on the Vinh Hao to Phan Thiet expressway, where traffic police discovered the vehicle stopped in the emergency lane during a routine patrol.
Caught asleep in the emergency lane
According to authorities, the driver had pulled over and was sleeping inside the vehicle. While the right turn signal was on, the car did not display the required hazard warning lights.
On high speed roads, stopping in the emergency lane is only permitted under specific conditions, and drivers must activate full warning signals to alert other vehicles.
Multiple violations uncovered
During the inspection, the driver failed to present several mandatory documents, including:
Vehicle registration
Technical inspection certificate
Mandatory civil liability insurance
As a result, authorities issued a fine of 13 million VND for improper stopping on the expressway and deducted six points from the driver’s license.
Additional penalties for missing documentation brought the total fine to 21 million VND, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
Company also penalized
The company that owns the vehicle was also fined 56 million VND for allowing a car that did not meet legal requirements to operate.
In total, combined penalties for the driver and the vehicle owner reached 77 million VND.
A warning for highway users
Authorities emphasize that misuse of emergency lanes poses serious risks, particularly on expressways where vehicles travel at high speeds.
Even brief stops without proper signaling can lead to dangerous situations, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
The bottom line
The case reflects stricter enforcement of traffic rules on Vietnam’s expanding expressway network.
For drivers, the message is clear: emergency lanes are not rest stops, and non compliance can result in significant financial penalties and safety risks.
Discover more from Vietnam Insider
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.