The handling of violations of not keeping a safe distance on the highway from August 27th has raised many drivers' concerns about how to maintain distance when traveling. Some cars are currently equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) systems, which can assist drivers in this.
According to the Traffic Police Department (CSGT), from August 27, 2026, functional forces will begin to fine for non-compliance with regulations on safe distance with cars running in front on the Phap Van - Cau Gie - Cao Bo - Mai Son - National Highway 45 - Nghi Son expressway. Handling is carried out on route sections with safety distance markings and cameras recording images and videos of violations.
According to Circular 38/2024/TT-BGTVT, in dry road surface conditions, normal weather and guaranteed visibility, the safe distance is determined by speed. Specifically, vehicles running at 60 km/h must maintain at least 35 m; over 60 to 80 km/h is 55 m; over 80 to 100 km/h is 70 m; over 100 to 120 km/h is 100 m. When weather conditions, road surface or visibility are not guaranteed, drivers must proactively adjust the appropriate distance.
How does ACC support maintaining the gap?
Unlike conventional cruise control systems, the adaptive cruise control system has the ability to detect vehicles in front and adjust the car's speed. Depending on the car model, ACC can use radar, cameras or combine sensors to detect vehicles in front.
When the vehicle in front slows down, the system can slow down accordingly; when the road ahead is clear, the car can accelerate back to the set level. The driver can often choose one of the distance levels set by the manufacturer.
However, drivers should not understand that ACC can be directly set to 55, 70 or 100 m to automatically meet the regulations. On many car models, the distance is shown by set levels instead of specific meters and the system can be adjusted according to speed, front vehicle as well as operating conditions.
Therefore, ACC can be a supporting tool, but not a means for drivers to accurately determine legal distance in all situations.
The driver still has to actively observe.
The reality of traffic on the expressway can give rise to unpredictable situations. Another vehicle may change lanes and merge into the space between the two vehicles, causing the distance to narrow in a short time. This is also one of the situations that drivers question after the penalty is implemented.
The Traffic Police Department said that in case other vehicles suddenly squeeze in, electronic data can be used to determine the diễn biến of the situation and consider handling.
In such situations, the driver still needs to observe and be ready to adjust the speed, even when the car is equipped with ACC. Driving assist does not mean the ability to handle all traffic situations automatically.
Therefore, drivers can combine observing signs, proactively maintaining distance and using ACC if the vehicle is equipped with this feature. Technology can reduce speed adjustment operations, but the responsibility for controlling the vehicle and ensuring safety still belongs to the driver.
