Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)Maintaining a safe distance when driving, especially when driving a truck, is not only a legal requirement but also a critical factor in protecting your life and property during every journey. Let’s delve deeper into the concept, how to determine it, and key considerations for maintaining a safe distance to ensure safe and smooth trips as outlined in the article below.
What is a Safe Distance?
According to Article 11 of Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT, the safe distance when driving is the minimum distance required to be maintained between your vehicle and the vehicle in front during traffic participation.
This distance ensures enough time to react and handle unexpected situations such as the vehicle in front suddenly braking, while also reducing the risk of collision and accidents. The safe distance varies depending on the speed, road conditions, weather, and visibility, and must comply with traffic laws.
Update for 2025: Safe Distance Between Vehicles on the Road
As per Article 11 of Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT, the regulations for maintaining a safe distance between vehicles on the road are as follows:
Drivers or operators of specialized motorbikes must ensure a safe distance from the vehicle in front on the same lane, road, and in the same direction. At locations with the “Minimum Distance Between Vehicles” sign, the distance must not be less than the value indicated on the sign.
Below is a detailed table of the safe distance between vehicles according to Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT:
| Speed (V) | Safe Distance Under Ideal Conditions (m) |
|---|---|
| V ≤ 60 km/h | Depends on traffic density and actual conditions |
| 60 km/h | 35 m |
| 60 < V ≤ 80 km/h | 55 m |
| 80 < V ≤ 100 km/h | 70 m |
| 100 < V ≤ 120 km/h | 100 m |
Notes:
- In adverse weather conditions (rain, fog, slippery roads, mountain slopes, limited visibility), the safe distance must be greater than the stated value or the value indicated on the sign.
- For speeds under 60 km/h, drivers need to maintain an appropriate distance based on vehicle density and actual traffic conditions.
Thus, depending on traffic and weather conditions, drivers are required to adhere to the minimum safe distance regulations, ensuring it is no less than the value specified on the sign or by law. Under ideal road and visibility conditions, the specific distances corresponding to speed are 35m (60 km/h), 55m (60-80 km/h), 70m (80-100 km/h), and 100m (100-120 km/h).
Penalties for Failing to Maintain a Safe Distance
Failing to maintain a safe distance when operating cars, trucks, or motorcycles not only poses a high risk of serious accidents but also incurs penalties under the law, with specific fines depending on the severity of the violation and the consequences.
For Cars:
- A fine of 800,000 to 1,000,000 VND if:
- Failing to maintain a safe distance, causing a collision with the vehicle ahead.
- Not complying with the minimum distance between vehicles as indicated on road signs. (Point l, Clause 3, Article 5, Decree 100/2019/ND-CP).
- A fine of 4,000,000 to 6,000,000 VND for violations related to maintaining a safe distance with the vehicle ahead on highways. (Point g, Clause 5, Article 5, Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, amended in Decree 123/2021/ND-CP).
- A fine of 10,000,000 to 12,000,000 VND if failing to maintain a safe distance causes an accident. (Point a, Clause 7, Article 5, Decree 100/2019/ND-CP).
In such cases, the driver’s license will be revoked for 2 to 4 months. (Point c, Clause 11, Article 5, Decree 100/2019/ND-CP).
For Motorcycles:
- A fine of 100,000 to 200,000 VND if:
- Failing to maintain a safe distance, causing a collision with the vehicle ahead.
- Not complying with the minimum distance between vehicles as indicated on road signs. (Point c, Clause 1, Article 6, Decree 100/2019/ND-CP).
- A fine of 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND if the failure to maintain a safe distance results in an accident. (Point b, Clause 7, Article 6, Decree 100/2019/ND-CP). Similarly, the violator’s license will be revoked for 2 to 4 months. (Point c, Clause 10, Article 6, Decree 100/2019/ND-CP).
Failing to maintain a safe distance not only endangers oneself but can also lead to serious consequences for other road users. Therefore, adhering to the safe distance regulations is mandatory to ensure safety on the road.
Tips for Determining Safe Distance Using the 3-Second Rule on Highways
The 3-second rule refers to the amount of time it takes for a driver to bring their vehicle to a complete stop after braking, helping avoid collisions. To maintain safety, drivers need to keep a certain distance from the vehicle in front and follow the 3-second rule to protect themselves and other vehicles on the road.
The 3-second rule is a simple method for maintaining a safe distance while driving. The driver can pick a fixed object on the road such as a milestone, sign, or tree and note when the vehicle ahead passes that object. Then, the driver starts counting: 1… 2… 3 seconds slowly. When the driver finishes counting to 3, their vehicle should have reached the same position as the object, confirming they have maintained the correct safe distance. If the vehicle passes the object before counting to 3, it means the speed should be reduced.
This rule is primarily applied in good weather conditions and clear visibility. In adverse conditions such as rain, storms, or fog, where visibility is limited, drivers should increase the counting time to 4, 5, or 6 seconds. Especially on highways, drivers can use lane markings or signs like 0M, 50M, or 100M as reference points for this rule.
Above is the latest update on safe distance regulations between vehicles for 2025, which An Thái would like to share with readers. Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, especially when driving a truck, plays an extremely important role in ensuring safety for all road users. Therefore, all road participants must pay attention to and strictly follow the safe distance regulations to reduce accidents and ensure safety for themselves and others on the road.
