## Understanding Traffic Rules: Lane Discipline and Road Markings
Despite being regular road users, many people are unaware of the rules and regulations that ensure civilized and lawful road usage.
In reality, driving on the wrong side of the road or failing to obey road markings is quite common, especially in large cities. However, many people still don’t know the difference between these two offenses and their respective penalties, including fines, license suspension, or vehicle impoundment. Some road users even struggle to distinguish between lanes and road markings.
Below is a guide to help road users understand and avoid committing these traffic violations:
What does it mean to drive on the wrong side of the road?
A lane is a section of the road designated for vehicle traffic and divided by a median or road markings. Each lane is intended for a specific type of vehicle or a small number of vehicles and is indicated by road signs.
According to the QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT regulations, “Lane” refers to a section of the road designated for vehicle traffic, divided by road markings. Additionally, the regulations specify that a road may have one or more lanes.
Driving on the wrong side of the road occurs when a vehicle enters a lane not designated for that type of vehicle on a multi-lane road distinguished by road markings.
Therefore, road users must adhere to traffic rules regarding lanes, road sections, and lane changes. Before changing lanes, drivers should use turn signals and honk to alert vehicles behind them.
The penalties for driving on the wrong side of the road for different types of vehicles are as follows:
Cars: Fines range from 4,000,000 to 6,000,000 VND, and licenses are suspended for 1 to 3 months. In the event of an accident caused by driving on the wrong side, the fine ranges from 10,000,000 to 12,000,000 VND, and the license is suspended for 2 to 4 months.
Motorcycles: Fines range from 400,000 to 600,000 VND. If a motorcycle causes an accident by driving on the wrong side, the fine ranges from 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND, and the license is suspended for 2 to 4 months.
Specialized vehicles and motorcycles: Fines range from 400,000 to 600,000 VND, and licenses are suspended for 1 to 3 months. If the violation results in a traffic accident, depending on the severity, the fine will range from 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 VND, and the license will be suspended for 2 to 4 months.
What does it mean to disobey road markings?
Road markings are a form of traffic signaling used to guide and control traffic flow, enhancing safety and traffic flow.
Road markings can be used independently or in combination with other types of road signs or traffic light signals.
There are various ways to classify road markings, such as by their position (on the road surface or vertical markings), shape, or style (continuous or broken lines)…
Disobeying road markings refers to failing to obey the instructions or indications provided by road signs, markings, or signals. This violation commonly occurs at intersections with signs indicating “Direction for each lane” along with arrows on the road surface.
Driving over solid white lines or road markings is considered a violation and is categorized as disobeying road markings.
If a driver turns left but enters a lane with a straight arrow or stops at a red light in a crosshatched area, they are “disobeying the orders, indications of signal signs, and road markings.”
The penalties for disobeying road markings for different types of vehicles are as follows:
Cars: Administrative fines range from 300,000 to 400,000 VND.
Motorcycles: Administrative fines range from 100,000 to 200,000 VND.
Specialized vehicles and motorcycles: Administrative fines range from 100,000 to 200,000 VND.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)
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