Regulations on warning lights in traffic laws
According to the Vietnam Road Traffic Law, dangerous warning lights should only be used in certain cases. Specifically, according to Article 37 of the National Technical Regulation on Road Traffic Signs (QCVN 41:2019/BGTVT), warning lights are only allowed to be turned on when vehicles stop or park in dangerous places, or in emergency situations such as damage in the middle of the road.
Can warning lights be turned on while the vehicle is running?
According to regulations, turning on warning lights while the vehicle is still moving is not in accordance with the law. However, in reality, many drivers still have the habit of turning on warning lights in some situations such as:
When passing through a foggy or heavy road.
When entering the road tunnel.
When the vehicle moves slowly on the highway.
Although these actions stem from good intentions, they can cause misunderstanding for other vehicles, because according to international rules, warning lights often mean emergency situations or sudden vehicle stops.
Cases of using warning lights in accordance with the law
To ensure safety and comply with the law, drivers should only use warning lights in the following cases:
When the vehicle had an accident on the road and had to stop.
When stopping or parking in a place at risk of causing an accident (exposed corner, highway).
When traveling in a convoy, there is coordination between the authorities.
Turning on warning lights while a car is running is not in accordance with Vietnamese law. Instead, drivers should use headlights, fog lights or turn signals to warn other vehicles in necessary situations.
