"Slap" of 6 million: Motorbikes "fear", sidewalks "suddenly" become pedestrians' property!

Since applying this strict penalty, traffic jam "hotspots" on major routes of the city have changed significantly, especially the situation of motorbikes driving on the sidewalk to avoid congestion.

Over the years, traffic jam hotspots in Ho Chi Minh City such as Truong Chinh, Quang Trung, Cong Hoa, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Nguyen Binh Khiem... have always been places where motorbikes climb the sidewalk to avoid traffic jams. However, since Decree 168/2024 took effect, that image has almost disappeared.

The main reason is that the fine has increased 10 times compared to the old regulation, making people no longer dare to violate it. According to the new Decree, the act of riding a motorbike on the sidewalk (except in necessary cases such as entering a house or office) will be fined from 4 to 6 million VND, along with a deduction of 2 points on the driver's license. Compared to the previous fine of 400,000 - 600,000 VND, this figure makes many people rethink the habit of riding on the sidewalk when stuck in traffic.

In the past, whenever traffic jams occurred during rush hour, many people in Ho Chi Minh City often tried to "cut off" onto the sidewalk to get through. Especially on main roads such as Truong Chinh, Quang Trung, Cong Hoa, lines of motorbikes following each other onto the sidewalk were a familiar sight. However, with the current heavy fines, this situation has clearly decreased.

On these routes, during the morning rush hour, although the traffic density is very high, the situation of motorbikes climbing onto the sidewalks is almost gone. People, despite being stuck in traffic jams, still patiently move in their correct lanes. The sidewalks, which used to be for pedestrians, are now clear again, with no more motorbikes encroaching on them.

Ms. Ho Thi Phuong (living in District 12) shared: "In the past, I, like many others, often climbed onto the sidewalk whenever there was a traffic jam. But now, with the fine being so high, I no longer dare to do so."

Cong Hoa Street (Tan Binh District) used to be one of the traffic jam "hot spots", but now during rush hour, people still patiently follow each other on the street, instead of climbing onto the sidewalk. This scene has made many people feel more secure when traveling, no longer having to worry about the risk of traffic accidents due to motorbikes climbing onto the sidewalk.

The new fines have created clear positive changes on many congested roads. Mr. Pham Minh Hoang (living in Go Vap) commented: "The situation of motorbikes climbing onto the sidewalk has decreased significantly. However, there are still some cases of intentional violations. I hope that with such high fines, more people will comply more seriously."

On other streets such as Quang Trung Street (Go Vap District) or Nguyen Binh Khiem Street (District 1), sidewalk climbing was very common in the past, but now the sidewalks have become clear again. Vehicles move regularly on the road, even on central streets such as Nam Ky Khoi Nghia or Hoang Sa, people can still walk comfortably without worrying about motorbikes occupying the sidewalk.

These changes not only help improve traffic conditions but also contribute to protecting traffic infrastructure. Previously, many sidewalks were damaged and the tiles were broken due to motorbikes climbing onto the sidewalks. Now, the sidewalks have become pedestrian spaces, bringing more convenience and safety to residents and visitors.

Although high fines have had a clear deterrent effect, traffic congestion in Ho Chi Minh City remains a difficult problem. Thoroughly solving traffic congestion cannot depend solely on increasing fines, but requires longer-term and more comprehensive solutions.

According to traffic experts, the city needs to continue investing in traffic infrastructure, expanding routes, and developing the public transport system to reduce pressure on main roads. Promoting traffic culture and public awareness is also very important, so that people voluntarily comply with traffic regulations without having to rely on fines.

Decree 168/2024 has brought about clear changes in the traffic habits of Ho Chi Minh City residents. Traffic jam "hotspots" no longer see motorbikes climbing onto sidewalks, making public spaces more open. However, to achieve the goal of reducing traffic congestion in the long term, the city needs to continue to have more synchronous and effective solutions in developing public transport and raising people's awareness of traffic safety.

Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City "fell": The "dramatic" penalty still does not stop the rampant "monster drivers"? Phạm Đông16:23:10 05/01/2025Although Decree 168/2024 with increased traffic fines has taken effect, many people in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City still has common violations such as running red lights, driving on the sidewalk, and not wearing a helmet.