From honking to lane-cutting: The ways drivers flex their road power in Vietnam

Reflecting both a poor driving culture and a disregard for traffic laws, here are some common mistakes I have observed among drivers in Vietnam:

Disregard traffic lights

Cars in Vietnam often seem to have a grudge against traffic lights. When the light turns red, some drivers continue as if it were green. When it's yellow, instead of slowing down, they speed up as if there's no tomorrow. At green lights, some even stop in the middle of the road to check their phones.

In some cases red lights become opportunities for multitasking. Drivers scroll through their phones, check social media, or even doze off, only to fumble and scramble when the light turns green, causing delays.

At times, traffic lights appear to be suggestions, not rules.

Cut lanes like in a racing game

Many drivers treat the road like a playground—cutting lanes, overtaking recklessly, and weaving through traffic. These maneuvers force other drivers to brake suddenly and honk in frustration.

Park anywhere they want

Sidewalks, streets, and even areas in front of houses often become parking spots for drivers ignoring basic traffic rules. They squeeze their vehicles into any available gap, no matter how tight.

Turn signals as decorations

Turn signals often serve merely as decorations. Some drivers never signal when turning, while others leave their signals blinking endlessly, leaving fellow motorists unsure of their intentions.

Drive the wrong way for convenience

Some drivers exhibit extreme "thinking outside the box"—driving against traffic, entering restricted roads, or even using motorbike lanes—anything to save a few seconds.

A woman driving and honking her car's horn. Illustration photo by Pixabay

Honk to assert dominance

Car horns in Vietnam often signal authority rather than warning. The louder and more frequent the honks, the more a driver feels in command, essentially demanding others to "move aside."

Race for every meter

For certain drivers, the road becomes a relentless competition where being overtaken is seen as an insult. Pride and fear of being left behind push them into aggressive driving behaviors.

Rearview mirrors as accessories

Many drivers treat their rearview mirrors as mere accessories, rarely adjusting them as if they can predict every situation on the road without them.

Customize cars to show off

For some, cars are more than vehicles—they're statements of style. Drivers modify their vehicles with LED lights, roaring exhausts, and blaring music to showcase bold personalities.

Sidewalks become private roads

Some drivers see sidewalks not as pedestrian spaces but as secret lanes to bypass traffic. They cut through these areas, considering themselves trailblazers finding shortcuts.

While cars themselves are not at fault—they are merely tools of bad driving—there is hope for change. With greater awareness and respect for traffic laws, Vietnam’s driving culture can evolve into a safer and more civilized system.