The issue of whether right turns should be the default at intersections in Ho Chi Minh City is generating widespread discussion among readers of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

The readers also proposed multiple measures to ease traffic congestion at intersections.

Debate over right-turn default

Several readers support making right turns the default at traffic lights. 

A reader named Hoang argued that all two-wheel vehicles should be allowed to turn right at red lights. 

“The right turn default should be incorporated into traffic laws, while signs or arrows should be installed at some places where turning right is prohibited to avoid confusion. This would save costs and help reduce traffic congestion,” another reader suggested.

Meanwhile, several readers pointed out that making right turns the default could violate traffic laws.

They believed that right turns should only be allowed at intersections where a right turn arrow is installed, repeating that a dedicated right-turn lane is essential.

Reader Thanh Duy recommended creating small lanes specifically for right turns, explaining that at several intersections, vehicles' traveling straight blocks the way for those wishing to turn right. 

Reader Coc echoed this opinion, stressing that a dedicated right-turn lane is necessary to avoid hindering those who are lawfully waiting at the red light.

Reader Nguy also underlined the need for lane markings at intersections where right turns are allowed to save costs while ensuring vehicles turning right are not blocked by cars going straight.

Concerns about increased traffic risks

While many agreed with making right turns the default, others voiced concern over the potential hazards it might create, particularly for pedestrians. 

One reader warned, “The most important thing is that vehicles must yield to pedestrians and vehicles going straight. If right turns become the default, motorcycles may cut into lanes and overtake dangerously, which is very risky.” 

Another reader pointed out that the lanes for motorcycles are very narrow due to cars, taxis, and trucks occupying them.

Even if turning right on red is permitted, there would often be no space for motorcycles to move through. This issue should be addressed before launching a default right-turn regulation.

Some other readers suggested that banning turning right on red should be integrated with other traffic management strategies for maximum effectiveness.

One reader commented that traffic congestion is not solely caused by the prohibition of right turns, but also by cars encroaching on motorcycle lanes, parking illegally at intersections, or a shortage of traffic control personnel.

“Installing a right turn signal is just one piece of the puzzle. If there are no dedicated lanes for right turns, vehicles going straight will block the way for right-turning vehicles,” explained reader Hoang Nam.

Many also proposed extending green light durations at busy intersections and taking stricter enforcement action against illegal parking to help improve traffic flow. 

One reader hinted at replacing old signals or broken lights with new ones and installing countdown signals at intersections to help drivers adjust their speeds.

Legal concerns about default right turns

Do Ngoc Hai, head of the works maintenance and exploitation division at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, told Tuoi Tre that installing ‘no right turn’ signs at certain intersections and making right turns the default at the rest would be incompatible with traffic laws. 

The Road Traffic Safety Law, which has been in effect since January 1, 2025, stipulates that a red light means vehicles must stop, and in general, drivers cannot turn in any direction when faced with a red signal.

However, if a traffic light has a designated right-turn arrow, drivers may turn right at a red light without violating the law.

Not all intersections are suitable for turning right on red as they lack the space or have traffic flow that would make it dangerous.

In such cases, restricting right turns remains necessary to avoid traffic conflicts.

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