Can higher fines fix Hanoi's traffic chaos?

Many readers said the city's traffic chaos needs urgent solutions, but are not confident higher fines are enough.

Reader Truong Thi My Linh said: "I frequently travel to Hanoi for work and can't stand the chaotic traffic there. Many taxi and car drivers don't even signal when they change lanes, even on highways."

Reader Huy Hoang shared similar concerns: "I once visited Hanoi and noticed that the city's traffic awareness needs improvement. In the Old Quarter of the city, I saw many youngsters riding motorbikes casually without wearing helmets."

According to Hanoi officials, the higher fines aim to reduce traffic jams and accidents in the city while encouraging safer driving habits over time.

Heavy traffic jam at an intersection in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Hai

However, some readers believe stricter fines alone won't solve the problem.

Reader Pham Phuong Nam commented: "Strict penalties might reduce violations, but they're not a complete solution. While stricter fines encourage people to follow traffic laws, unsafe and poorly designed traffic systems can still lead to violations. Without upgrading infrastructure and improving traffic organization, these problems will persist."

Reader Tuan Manh suggested that traffic infrastructure should be factored in when considering higher fines.

"Since Decree 168 introduced stricter fines for traffic violations, drivers have been more diligent about following traffic signals, and the number of motorbikes driving on sidewalks has decreased. However, congestion in the city has worsened, especially at intersections with traffic lights. This shows that even as drivers improve their driving behavior, inadequate infrastructure remains a major issue.

While I support stricter traffic penalties, I think focusing solely on improving driver awareness is insufficient. Infrastructure must be improved to keep up with population growth and the traffic density of large cities like Hanoi and HCMC. With their heavy daily traffic, these cities require a more targeted investment in their traffic infrastructure."

Other readers argued that infrastructure isn't the root cause of Hanoi's traffic problems.

A reader said: "Bangkok also faces severe traffic congestion, but drivers there follow traffic laws. Cars move slowly without honking, running red lights, driving on sidewalks, or going against traffic.

My tour guide in Bangkok said it's common for Thai people to spend hours commuting, even with decent infrastructure. This shows the real issue is driver awareness, not infrastructure.

Simply put, I wholeheartedly support stricter traffic fines. Infrastructure improvements will come in time, but poor infrastructure alone cannot justify chaotic traffic."

A reader nicknamed doquanghoi8667 emphasized the importance of clear and logical traffic systems to ensure fairness: "While I support measures to organize Hanoi's traffic better, authorities should first ensure that all signs, signals, lane markings, and traffic flow plans are clear, logical, and easy to follow. This will help prevent unfair penalties for drivers in the future."