In Vietnam, a common misconception among drivers is that parking is allowed in any area without a no-parking sign. However, the law explicitly prohibits parking in several locations to ensure traffic safety and prevent accidents.

According to the Road Traffic Safety Law effective from January 1, 2025, drivers are not allowed to stop or park on the left side of one-way streets, on curves, or near the top of hills where visibility is obstructed. Parking is also prohibited on bridges unless traffic regulations permit it, and under overpasses if stopping is not allowed in that area.

Another frequent violation is parallel parking alongside another vehicle that is already stopped. In narrow streets, drivers must maintain a distance of at least 20 meters from vehicles parked in the opposite direction, and 40 meters on roads with only one lane for motor vehicles. Fines for improper parking typically range from 800,000 to 1 million VND, with higher penalties for parking in dangerous locations.

Additionally, parking is forbidden in pedestrian zones and within 5 meters of intersections. Vehicles cannot stop or park in designated pick-up and drop-off areas, in front of government buildings, or within 5 meters of their entrances. The law also prohibits stopping or parking in areas designated for buses, near drainage grates, or in front of fire hydrants.

Stopping and parking are defined differently under the law: stopping is a temporary halt for picking up or dropping off passengers or goods, while parking is a longer-term halt where the driver can leave the vehicle. When parking on a slope, drivers must turn the wheels toward the curb and use the parking brake.

Understanding the locations where parking is prohibited is crucial for drivers to avoid fines and contribute to safer traffic conditions, helping to reduce congestion on the roads.