9 Defining Moments Shaping Vietnam’s Transportation Landscape in 2025

These developments have directly impacted traffic order and safety, laying a robust foundation for the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s transportation network in the years ahead.

First, the legal framework governing traffic order and safety has been refined, with stricter regulations on road user behavior. The enactment of the Road Traffic Order and Safety Law, alongside Decree 168, effective from 2025, has significantly shifted public awareness and compliance. New provisions introduce harsher penalties for common violations such as running red lights, lane violations, wrong-way driving, and unsafe vehicle door openings, fostering greater adherence to traffic laws.

Notably, tighter controls on transportation operations, including a 48-hour weekly driving limit, aim to reduce fatigue-related accidents, enhancing safety for drivers and other road users.

Second, the driver’s license examination and issuance process has been modernized and streamlined. Starting in 2025, the Ministry of Public Security assumed responsibility for driver’s license testing and issuance, introducing a new license classification system and a 12-point demerit mechanism. Integration with the national population database and VNeID ensures more transparent and efficient driver management.

Third, major cities have established clear green transportation roadmaps. In 2025, low-emission zones were designated in urban centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with plans to restrict and eventually ban fossil fuel vehicles in certain areas. These measures aim to improve air quality and promote sustainable urban development.

Fourth, the biofuel E10 is being piloted for nationwide adoption. In 2025, E10 biofuel trials began in select regions, with preparations underway for mandatory implementation across Vietnam by 2026. This initiative seeks to reduce emissions and increase the use of renewable fuels.

Fifth, digital technology and AI are revolutionizing traffic management and monitoring. AI-powered traffic cameras, deployed across multiple regions, enable real-time violation detection, automated ticketing, and efficient traffic control. Simultaneously, the electronic toll collection system (ETC) has been standardized through account consolidation, enhancing convenience and transparency for citizens.

Sixth, Hanoi is accelerating land clearance and urban traffic infrastructure restructuring. The city is expediting land acquisition for Ring Roads 1, 2.5, and 4, expanding urban space, alleviating central traffic congestion, and improving inter-regional connectivity.

Seventh, the national expressway network has achieved significant milestones in connectivity and capacity expansion. In 2025, the North-South Eastern Expressway recorded unprecedented progress, with 12 sub-projects from the 2021–2025 phase completed on schedule, establishing a continuous north-south corridor. Public investment in expressway projects has been accelerated, with plans to expand key sections to six lanes, a move deemed timely and essential for 2026–2030 infrastructure development.

Eighth, multiple Red River bridge projects are underway in Hanoi. Construction has begun on the Tu Lien and Tran Hung Dao bridges, enhancing connectivity between riverbanks and completing the urban transportation network.

Lastly, mass public transportation projects are gaining momentum. In 2025, metro line construction in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City accelerated, reflecting a commitment to modern public transit, reducing road traffic pressure, and fostering sustainable urban growth.

The achievements of Vietnam’s transportation sector in 2025 highlight a significant shift from traditional management to a system driven by law, technology, and large-scale infrastructure, setting the stage for a safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation future.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)