In the context of Decree 168 being applied with increased traffic violation fines, Ho Chi Minh City residents expressed concern about being fined for running red lights or climbing the curb to give way to priority vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, etc. However, at the regular press conference on the socio-economic situation on the afternoon of January 16, Lieutenant Colonel Le Manh Ha - Deputy Head of the General Staff Department (Ho Chi Minh City Police) officially confirmed that this action will not be penalized.
Lieutenant Colonel Le Manh Ha emphasized that the act of running a red light or climbing the curb to give way to a priority vehicle is considered an "emergency situation" and is not a violation of the law. Mr. Ha explained: "According to the regulations on handling administrative violations, acts performed in an emergency situation are not subject to fines. Giving way to priority vehicles is the responsibility of the people, for the greater good of helping ambulances or fire trucks complete their urgent tasks."
The representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Police also affirmed that if people were punished in this case, it was because the enforcement agency misunderstood and applied the regulations incorrectly. Giving way to priority vehicles is mandatory and does not constitute a traffic violation.
In addition to the issue of giving way, people also complained about the lack of uniformity of traffic lights, with red lights lasting longer while green lights are short. According to Lieutenant Colonel Le Manh Ha, traffic lights are designed based on the principle of coordinating traffic flow between lanes, with a red light in one lane meaning a green light in another.
Mr. Ha also added that the authorities regularly review and adjust traffic signal times to suit the actual traffic situation. However, due to the rapid pace of urban development, the signal system may no longer be optimal after a period of time. Therefore, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department is committed to continuing to listen to people's feedback and make necessary adjustments to ensure smooth and safe traffic.
