Localized congestion
On February 18, 2026 (the 2nd day of the Binh Ngo Tet), on some highways, people reflected localized congestion. Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Truong Anh Vui - a technology taxi driver - said that traffic on Ring Road 3 towards the southern gateway was very seriously congested from the morning.
The congestion started from the intersection with Thang Long Avenue. Vehicles lined up in long rows, moving little by little. Realizing that moving on height was too difficult, Mr. Vui decided to drive his car down to the road below to find another way.
However, Khuat Duy Tien street is also crowded with vehicles. After considering, he was forced to return to the elevated road and continue to be stuck for about 30 more minutes.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Vu Ngoc Oanh - Deputy General Director of Phap Van - Cau Gie BOT Joint Stock Company - said that during the Binh Ngo Lunar New Year, people flock to their hometowns to wish Tet, causing the traffic volume on the route to increase.
According to Mr. Oanh, during the peak Tet holiday, the Phap Van - Cau Gie expressway receives about 140,000 vehicle trips per day and night, while on normal days it fluctuates around 80,000 - 90,000 trips. With 90,000 trips, the route is already in a state of overload. When traffic increases suddenly like the morning of the 2nd day of Tet, congestion on the entire route is inevitable.
In the Tan De bridge area on National Highway 10, connecting Hung Yen and Ninh Binh provinces, the volume of vehicles increased sharply on the 2nd day of Tet, causing prolonged traffic jams.
According to records, car rows lined up slowly on both sides of the bridge. Many people said that after the 1st day of Tet, the demand for spring travel, going to pagodas to pray for peace and visit relatives in neighboring provinces increased sharply. Interprovincial passenger cars also started operating again from this day, significantly increasing vehicle traffic.
In addition, prolonged light rain makes the road surface slippery, drivers have to maintain slow speed and maintain a greater safe distance than usual. This prolongs the vehicle range behind, making the traffic jam situation even more serious.
On the same day, the end of the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen expressway, in the direction from Thinh Dan intersection to Tan Long intersection (Thai Nguyen province), a serious traffic jam occurred. Hundreds of vehicles lined up for more than 5km. The time to overcome the congested section was nearly 60 minutes, many times longer than usual.
According to people's reflections, the main reason is that the traffic diversion and signal light cycle at Tan Long roundabout are not reasonable. The traffic volume from the expressway is large, but the green light time is only about 30 seconds, not enough to clear vehicles, causing traffic congestion to continue back to the main route.
Traffic accidents drop sharply
Providing information on the traffic situation on the 2nd day of Tet, the Traffic Police Department said that in Hanoi City and adjacent localities, traffic order and safety were ensured, and no prolonged congestion or serious accidents occurred.
In Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding areas, traffic at ports, bus stations, and train stations is stable. The traffic volume on national highways and intersections towards expressways to the Eastern and Western provinces has decreased. Traffic police forces proactively arrange officers and soldiers to regulate and divert traffic, ensuring smooth traffic flow.
On February 18, 2026, the whole country recorded 33 traffic accidents, killing 22 people and injuring 14 people. Compared to the same Tet holiday in 2025, a decrease of 17 cases (34%), a decrease of 9 deaths (29.03%), and a decrease of 24 injuries (63.16%). In which, road accidents occurred 32 cases; railway accidents occurred 1 case in Quang Tri; waterway accidents did not occur.
Local police have inspected and handled 5,668 violations; temporarily seized 84 cars, 2,758 motorbikes and 95 other vehicles; revoked 273 driver's licenses, deducted points 1. 490 cases. Alcohol concentration violations 2. 812 cases; speeding violations 745 cases and many other acts.
Specifically on National Highway 1A, the Traffic Police force controlled 7,217 vehicles, discovered and made records to handle 653 violations; revoked and deducted points for 244 driver's licenses; temporarily seized 291 vehicles.
