Plan a hassle‑free holiday road trip with essential New Year car travel safety tips, vehicle checks, and how AI traffic cameras affect fines. Drive safely today!
As the Gregorian New Year approaches, families across Vietnam are planning road trips to visit relatives, explore tourist spots, or simply enjoy a festive getaway. With car prices dropping and self‑drive rental services booming, travelling by car has become more accessible than ever.
Why Holiday Driving Demands Extra Caution
Traffic volumes surge during the holiday season, making road safety a top priority. Drivers should adhere to speed limits, obey traffic signals, refrain from using mobile phones while driving, and ensure every passenger wears a seatbelt.
New AI Traffic Cameras and Stiff Penalties
Vietnam is rolling out high‑resolution, AI‑powered traffic cameras on major highways and urban roads. These systems can automatically detect violations such as speeding, red‑light running, and failure to buckle up. Fines have risen dramatically: running a red light can now cost up to VND 20 million and result in a four‑point deduction from the driver’s licence (up to ten points if an accident occurs). Violations captured by AI cameras are processed as “offline” fines, meaning the penalty is issued even after the driver has left the scene.
Pre‑Trip Vehicle Checklist
Before hitting the road, conduct a thorough inspection of your car:
- All four tires, spare tyre, and proper tyre pressure.
- Battery health and jumper cables.
- Brake fluid and brake pads.
- Engine oil, coolant, and windshield‑washer fluid.
- Functional headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
- Essential tools: tyre‑changing kit, portable air pump, and basic repair tools.
Having these items ready can prevent breakdowns and keep your journey smooth.
Smart Route Planning for the New Year
Congestion is common at city entrances, highways, and major inter‑city routes during the holiday. To minimise delays:
- Plan your departure time carefully; early‑morning trips can avoid peak traffic, but they may become crowded if many drivers choose the same window.
- Use navigation apps such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Here WeGo, which provide real‑time traffic updates and alternative routes.
- Identify known bottlenecks and select detours that bypass them.
Electric Vehicle Considerations
For EV owners, range anxiety is an additional factor. Most electric cars in Vietnam can travel a few hundred kilometres on a full charge, so map out charging stations along your route. Schedule rest stops at locations with public charging infrastructure to keep both the vehicle and driver refreshed.
Final Takeaway
Combining diligent vehicle maintenance, strict adherence to traffic laws, and intelligent route planning will help you enjoy a safe, penalty‑free holiday road trip. Start preparing now and make this New Year journey a memorable and trouble‑free experience.