Have you ever felt lost and confused by perplexing traffic signs on the road? Have you ever found yourself scratching your head trying to decipher bizarre traffic regulations?
Have you ever been unfairly penalized because of confusing traffic signs? If your answer is YES, then you’re not alone!
Over the past period, we’ve received numerous reports from readers about the chaotic state of traffic signs across many roads. Signs that seem intentionally cryptic, vague, or downright confusing not only create challenges for drivers but also pose risks that could lead to unfortunate accidents.
For this reason, we’ve decided to launch a series titled “The Maze of Traffic Signs” – highlighting this issue. Together with our readers, we’ll identify problematic signs, analyze flaws in the traffic system, and propose practical solutions to improve the situation.
We hope this series will amplify calls for relevant authorities to take action, resolve the chaos surrounding traffic signs, and ensure safer, more convenient travel for everyone.
Stay tuned!
Recently, many drivers have expressed concerns over the placement of car-restriction signs at the intersection of Ly Thuong Kiet Street and Le Hoan Street, Lam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa City, Thanh Hoa Province, claiming it feels like a “trap” for motorists.
A misplaced car-restriction sign leading to violations (Photo: Thanh Tùng).
“Instead of being placed at the beginning of the road, the car-restriction sign is set back 3-4 meters. If you’re unfamiliar with the area or aren’t paying close attention, it’s easy to make a mistake when turning from Le Hoan Street onto Ly Thuong Kiet Street. This setup is nothing short of a ‘trap,'” shared Mr. Tâm, a driver.
Meanwhile, drivers traveling along the coastal road (through Quang Hai Commune, Quang Xuong District, Thanh Hoa Province) have noticed an illogical placement of the end-of-residential-area sign.
Following feedback from drivers, Dân Trí reporters conducted an on-site investigation. At the start of the coastal road (intersecting National Highway 47 in Quang Chau Ward, Sam Son City), there was no sign indicating the beginning of a residential area. However, approximately 5 kilometers later, near Quang Hai Commune, a sign marking the end of the residential zone appeared.
An improperly placed end-of-residential-zone sign on the coastal road through Quang Hai Commune, Quang Xuong District (Photo: Thanh Tùng).
Similarly, on the opposite direction of the same coastal road, heading from Quang Hai Commune toward National Highway 47, there is a sign indicating the start of a residential area, but no corresponding sign marking its end.
The coastal road connecting Sam Son City and Quang Xuong District has been operational since 2021. The route spans 48 meters wide with four motor vehicle lanes, a rigid median divider, and a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h.
A residential-zone-start sign on the coastal road without a matching end sign (Photo: Thanh Tùng).
Mr. Cao Sỹ Khiêm, a driver who frequently travels this coastal route (originally from Sam Son City), pointed out significant issues with these two signs.
“The signs are extremely poorly placed. I drove the entire stretch but never saw any indication of entering a residential area, yet suddenly encountered a sign marking its end,” shared driver Khiêm.
The coastal road features four lanes, a rigid median, and pedestrian walkways (Photo: Thanh Tùng).
Driver Khiêm further explained that given the road’s width and beauty, as well as the presence of a rigid median, traffic signs should be appropriately positioned so drivers can adjust their speeds accordingly. Otherwise, they may unintentionally exceed speed limits due to confusion.
“I hope the authorities will soon review and inspect the traffic signage system along this route so that drivers feel reassured and safer while traveling,” said driver Khiêm.
The location of the coastal road featuring two problematic signs (Image: Google Maps).
