Driving in Hanoi: Avoid No-Entry Zones for Trucks

The other day, while enjoying tea with a close friend, a long-time truck driver in Hanoi, I heard him lament about being unfairly fined for entering a no-entry zone for cars. Apparently, he was transporting goods from a warehouse in Gia Lam to the Old Quarter, got distracted by Google Maps, and mistakenly turned onto Luong Van Can Street. The street was narrow, his truck was huge, and a traffic officer pulled him over, resulting in a fine and a wasted morning. Hearing his story, I realized that many drivers, even experienced ones, sometimes make this basic mistake. So today, Hanoi Trucks will delve into the issue of driving in no-entry zones to help you avoid a similar costly and time-consuming experience.

No entry sign for cars

“No-Entry for Cars” – A Common Concern for Drivers

What Does “No-Entry for Cars” Mean?

As the name suggests, a “no-entry for cars” violation occurs when a driver operates a vehicle in an area where road signs prohibit cars (or specific types of cars) from entering.

Common “No-Entry for Cars” Signs

There are various no-entry signs, depending on the road, vehicle type, and time of day. Here are some common signs you’ll encounter:

• Sign 301: Prohibits all motorized vehicles.
• Sign 302: Prohibits cars (including passenger cars, trucks, buses, etc.).
• Sign 303: Prohibits trucks (with a payload of 3.5 tons or more).
• Sign 304: Prohibits buses (with more than 9 seats, including the driver’s seat).

Note: No-entry signs are typically effective from the sign’s location to the nearest intersection.

Penalties for Entering No-Entry Zones

Penalties for entering no-entry zones are outlined in Decree 100/2019/ND-CP. Depending on the severity of the violation, fines can range from 2 to 3 million VND, and may include license suspension for 1 to 3 months.

Consequences of Entering No-Entry Zones

• Traffic congestion: Large trucks and buses entering restricted areas often cause traffic jams, especially during peak hours.
• Increased accident risk: No-entry roads are usually narrow with high pedestrian traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Impact on residents: Noise and exhaust fumes from vehicles in restricted areas disrupt the lives of residents.

How to Avoid No-Entry Traps

To avoid fines and wasted time, consider these tips:

• Understand traffic laws: Familiarize yourself with no-entry signs and related penalties.
• Plan your route: Use maps and navigation apps (like Google Maps) to choose appropriate routes.
• Observe road signs carefully: Pay close attention to road signs to avoid missing crucial information.
• Ask locals for directions: If unsure about your route, ask locals for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About No-Entry Zones

1. I Was Stopped for Entering a No-Entry Zone, But I Didn’t See a Sign.

Answer: Remain calm and politely discuss the situation with the officer. If the sign was obscured, faded, or unclear, provide evidence (photos, videos) to demonstrate you didn’t intentionally violate the rule.

2. I Drive a Small Truck. Am I Prohibited from Entering a No-Entry Zone for Trucks?

Answer: YES, if the sign doesn’t specify a weight limit.

Traffic police officer checking documents

Hanoi Trucks – Your Partner on Every Road

We hope this article provides valuable information about no-entry zones. Be a responsible driver, obey traffic laws, and contribute to a safe and civilized traffic culture.

For detailed information about trucks, contact Hanoi Trucks:

• Website: https://xetaihanoi.edu.vn/
• Address: Hanoi Trucks branches are located throughout the districts: Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Hai Ba Trung, Dong Da, Cau Giay, Tay Ho…

See also:

• Where to Get Your Car Serviced?
• Professional Car Repair Tools

Note: This article is for informational purposes only. Please contact Hanoi Trucks directly for detailed and accurate advice.