However, according to the National Technical Regulation QCVN 41:2024/BGTVT, these two signs have completely different meanings. If misunderstood, drivers may violate traffic laws and even be heavily fined.
According to regulations, the two easily confusing signs mentioned above are sign R.301a and sign I.407a.
In which, sign R.301a is a sign "only allowed to go straight", belonging to the group of command signs. The sign is round, with a blue background, in the middle is a white arrow pointing straight up.
This sign is mandatory for all types of vehicles to only go straight in the direction of the arrow. Vehicle drivers are not allowed to turn left or right, except for priority vehicles as prescribed.
In actual traffic, the effectiveness of the R.301a sign will depend on the installation location. If the sign is placed in front of the intersection, vehicles are only allowed to go straight when passing that intersection and are not allowed to change direction.
In case the sign is placed after the intersection, the validity of the sign will be calculated from the location of the sign to the next intersection. At that time, vehicles are prohibited from turning left and U-turning throughout the valid road section.
Meanwhile, sign I.407a is a "one-way" sign, belonging to the guide sign group. The sign is square in shape, with a blue background and white arrow pointing upwards.
This sign is used to indicate that the road ahead or the road in traffic is one-way. Vehicles are only allowed to follow the arrow direction and are not allowed to go against traffic.
According to regulations, sign I.407a is usually placed after the intersection to inform traffic participants that they are going on a one-way street. In actual traffic organization, the opposite direction is often installed with sign P.102 "No reversing".
Although they have a similar design, the biggest difference between the two signs lies in the meaning of use.
Sign R.301a is an order sign, regulating the mandatory direction of movement of vehicles at a specific location or road section. Meanwhile, sign I.407a is a direction sign, used to announce that the route is only allowed to circulate in a certain direction.
Confusion between these two signs can cause drivers to turn in the wrong direction, turn around incorrectly, or go against traffic on one-way traffic. These behaviors not only pose a risk of traffic unsafety but can also be heavily penalized according to regulations.
According to Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, motorcyclists traveling in the opposite direction may be fined from 4,000 VND to 6,000 VND.
For drivers of cars traveling in the opposite direction, the fine is from 18,000 VND to 20,000,00 VND.
