I used to drive on sidewalks to get home faster

While it's encouraging stricter adherence to traffic rules, the measure also highlights the urgent need to address the city's enduring infrastructure challenges.

Every day, millions of motorcycles choke HCMC's streets. My 10-kilometer commute now often takes hours, as the overwhelming volume of vehicles leads to unrelenting gridlock.

In the past, when I encountered gridlocked intersections, I would, like many others, resort to driving on sidewalks to turn right. I knew it was illegal, but I justified it as a way to save time—not just for myself but for others, allowing traffic behind me to flow more smoothly. This maneuver saved me nearly an hour each day, but the judgmental stares I received served as a constant reminder of my wrongdoing.

Heavy traffic jam on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, District 1, HCMC, on the evening of Jan. 9, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Dinh Van

Driving on sidewalks is, without question, illegal. For years, however, minor violations like this were largely overlooked.

Decree 168 has changed that. With fines for motorcycles driving on sidewalks now at VND4–6 million (US$157–236)—10 times the previous rate—drivers, myself included, have been forced to reconsider. Since its implementation from the beginning of this year, I've noticed more orderly behavior on the roads. For me personally, it has added more than an hour to my daily commute.

Some people compare HCMC’s traffic to a river: vehicles flow like water, and sidewalks act as riverbanks. When roads overflow with vehicles, it’s akin to a river spilling over its banks. The increased fines are like raising the banks, compelling vehicles to stay within their lanes.

But while higher fines may curb bad habits, they also expose deeper, systemic issues. Many argue that driving on sidewalks often feels unavoidable in a city where infrastructure cannot keep pace with traffic demands. Raising fines without addressing these shortcomings only shifts the burden onto drivers, who now fear penalties rather than feel empowered to follow the law.

Sidewalk encroachment is another persistent problem. Vendors and makeshift parking lots regularly take over space meant for pedestrians, forcing them onto the streets and exacerbating traffic chaos. Clearing these encroachments must be a priority if sidewalks are to serve their intended purpose.

To adapt to these changes, I've adjusted my routine by leaving home earlier or staying at work later to avoid rush hour. But lasting improvements to HCMC's traffic require more than individual effort. Authorities must invest in infrastructure upgrades, implement long-term traffic planning, and enforce policies to ensure sidewalks are safe and accessible for pedestrians.

Creating a more organized and civilized traffic system will require shared responsibility and increased awareness. Decree 168 has set the foundation for better habits, but meaningful, lasting change will only come through cooperation between citizens and the government.