On August 21, 2026, the road traffic situation across the country continued to see notable developments. Amid heavy rainfall in many northern provinces, authorities stepped up warnings regarding the risk of flooding and landslides while proactively ensuring traffic safety on national highways and expressways. Concurrently, traffic police intensified inspections and violation enforcement, while also implementing measures to ensure smooth traffic flow in preparation for the upcoming September 2nd National Day holiday.
1. Motorbikes ignore prohibition signs, sharing lanes with container trucks on HCMC’s Ring Road 3
At the Binh Chuan intersection on the My Phuoc – Tan Van route (part of the HCMC Ring Road 3 project), many motorcyclists continue to deliberately enter lanes reserved for trucks and container vehicles, despite the presence of prohibition signs and dedicated lanes for motorbikes. This behavior poses a high risk of accidents, as trucks have significant blind spots—particularly on curves and in active construction zones. Authorities continue to deploy personnel to provide guidance, raise awareness, and urge the public to strictly adhere to traffic organization plans. (VietNamNet News)
2. Heavy rain in Northern region; flood and landslide warnings issued for roadways
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on August 21, many areas across the Northern region and the provinces from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh experienced rainfall ranging from moderate to very heavy. Road management agencies have been instructed to step up inspections of national highways, station personnel at flood- and landslide-prone locations, and stand ready to divert traffic as needed to ensure smooth flow. Residents are advised to avoid traveling through areas at risk of flash floods and landslides. (VOV.VN)
3. Preparations for comprehensive traffic enforcement ahead of the September 2nd National Day holiday
The Prime Minister has directed the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Public Security, and local authorities to implement coordinated measures to ensure traffic order and safety during the National Day holiday. Key priorities include intensifying inspections of passenger transport vehicles, strictly penalizing unauthorized fare hikes, reviewing accident "black spots," and suspending construction projects that obstruct traffic on major arterial routes. (VnEconomy)
4. Continued review of safety hazards on national highways and expressways
Road management agencies are continuing to inspect signage, road markings, guardrails, and active construction sites across various national highways and expressways. Locations identified as safety hazards or accident hotspots must be promptly addressed to ensure safe travel conditions for the public, particularly during adverse weather. (VnEconomy)
5. Traffic police maintain intensified enforcement campaign
Traffic police nationwide are continuing to step up patrols and enforcement on national highways, expressways, and urban roads. Enforcement efforts focus on violations such as speeding, drunk driving, lane violations, running red lights, failure to maintain safe following distances, and overloading. This sustained enforcement drive is expected to help reduce traffic accidents in the near future. (VnEconomy)
6. Public advised to prioritize safety while traveling
Amidst ongoing thunderstorms in many localities, authorities advise drivers to thoroughly check their vehicle's braking systems, tires, and lights before setting out; to reduce speed when traversing flooded areas or construction zones; and to strictly avoid entering prohibited roads or lanes reserved for trucks and container vehicles. Motorists are also encouraged to monitor weather forecasts and traffic conditions to plan suitable routes. (VietNamNet News)
Summary
Key events on August 21, 2026, included instances of motorbikes entering prohibited lanes on Ho Chi Minh City’s Ring Road 3; the risk of heavy rain causing flooding and landslides in several northern provinces; and the rollout of plans by authorities to ensure traffic order and safety for the upcoming September 2nd National Day holiday. Concurrently, traffic police continue to maintain a high-intensity enforcement campaign against violations, while road management units step up inspections and remedial measures for potential safety hazards across the national highway and expressway networks.