What is driving in the truck lane? This is a common question among many drivers, especially new ones. In fact, this phrase refers to cars driving in lanes specifically designated for trucks. This action is considered a traffic violation and can result in heavy fines. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình will explain in detail about lane violations, penalties, and how to distinguish them from lane marking violations.
Image: Lane dedicated to specific vehicle types (Source: Collected)
Lane dedicated to specific vehicle types
What is a Lane? What is a Lane Violation?
A lane is a longitudinal division of a roadway, wide enough to accommodate a single line of vehicles. Lanes are separated by medians or lane markings. Each lane is designated for specific types of vehicles according to traffic signs.
A lane violation occurs when a vehicle operator does not drive in the lane designated for their vehicle type. For example, a car driving in a lane reserved for trucks or buses, or a motorbike driving in a lane reserved for cars.
Image: Sign R.412 regulating lanes for specific vehicle types (Source: Collected)
Traffic sign R.412 indicating lanes designated for specific vehicle types
Penalties for Truck Lane Violations and Other Lane Violations
Penalties for lane violations are stipulated in Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, amended and supplemented by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP, and applied to each vehicle type:
Cars:
- Lane violation: Fine from VND 4,000,000 to VND 6,000,000, license suspension from 1 to 3 months.
- Lane violation causing an accident: Fine from VND 10,000,000 to VND 12,000,000, license suspension from 2 to 4 months.
Image: Car committing a lane violation (Source: Collected)
Car driving in the lane for trucks, committing a lane violation
Motorbikes:
- Lane violation: Fine from VND 400,000 to VND 600,000.
- Lane violation causing an accident: Fine from VND 4,000,000 to VND 5,000,000, license suspension from 2 to 4 months.
Tractors, specialized vehicles:
- Lane violation: Fine from VND 400,000 to VND 600,000, license suspension from 1 to 3 months.
- Lane violation causing an accident: Fine from VND 6,000,000 to VND 8,000,000, license suspension from 2 to 4 months.
Distinguishing Between Lane Violations and Lane Marking Violations
Lane violation: Occurs when there are lane signs (R.412, R.415) or directions from traffic controllers, and the vehicle operator enters a lane not designated for their vehicle type.
Lane marking violation: Occurs when there is sign R.411, road marking 1.18, and directional arrows on the road, and the vehicle operator does not comply. If there is only sign R.411 without marking 1.18, it is not penalized. The penalty for this violation is lower than for lane violations.
Image: Road marking 1.18 on the roadway (Source: Collected)
Road marking 1.18 indicating lane usage on the road
Conclusion
Understanding lane regulations is crucial for ensuring traffic safety and avoiding penalties. Drivers need to pay attention to traffic signs and lane markings to drive in the correct lane, especially when traveling on roads with multiple lanes designated for different vehicle types. “Driving in the truck lane,” meaning driving in a lane designated for trucks, is a violation to be avoided.
