The Signs Overhead on the Highway that New Drivers Often Overlook

Highway signage is an essential aspect of road safety, providing drivers with critical information about their location, speed limits, and entry and exit points. However, for novice drivers, these signs can sometimes be confusing and difficult to decipher.

Here’s a guide to the most common types of highway signs in Vietnam and their meanings, helping drivers navigate these roads safely and avoid potential fines for traffic violations.

Entry and Exit Signs

Entry and exit signs are among the most common highway signs you’ll encounter. These signs are typically colored in blue or dark green and clearly indicate the name of the highway. They also provide information about the distance to the upcoming interchange, helping drivers navigate their entry and exit points effectively.

By paying attention to these signs, drivers can plan their lane changes and exits in advance, avoiding sudden maneuvers that could disrupt the flow of traffic.

Speed Limit Signs

Some directional signs also incorporate speed limit indicators, displaying both the minimum and maximum speed limits. Additionally, along the highway, you’ll encounter multiple signs reminding drivers of the speed limits.

The minimum speed limit sign is colored in blue with white numerals. On the other hand, the maximum speed limit sign is circular with a red border and a white background.

The minimum and maximum speed limit signs are usually placed together on highways.

In theory, all lanes on the highway allow for speeds within the minimum and maximum limits. However, in practice, drivers should stay in the right lane if they are traveling at a slower speed. The left lane is generally used for overtaking or maintaining a higher speed.

Toll Station Signs

As you approach a toll station on the highway, you’ll encounter signs indicating the direction of the toll booths. These signs often include a “no overtaking” symbol, which is a red circle with a white background and two red and black cars side by side. When this sign is present, drivers must refrain from overtaking the vehicle in front of them.

Additionally, as you get closer to the toll station, the speed limit decreases, so drivers need to be mindful of their speed to avoid fines.

Minimum Distance Signs

Minimum distance signs between two vehicles on the highway come in two varieties: a blue background with a white border and a white background with a red border. The blue sign is an instructional sign that advises drivers to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, depending on their speed.

For example, if you’re traveling below 60 km/h, a distance of 30-50 meters is recommended. At speeds between 60-80 km/h, this distance increases to 50-70 meters. And when driving above 80 km/h, a minimum distance of 100 meters is mandatory.

A minimum distance sign with a red background and white border is a regulatory sign. Drivers must comply with the specified minimum distance from the vehicle ahead, as indicated on the sign. Failure to do so may result in a fine.

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