Despite an extensive network of traffic violation cameras across Hanoi, many motorcyclists continue to ignore traffic laws, driving against traffic, skipping helmets, and even entering expressways.

An expanding web of surveillance

Hanoi has been installing an increasing number of automated traffic enforcement cameras at major intersections and high-traffic roads. Key locations such as the Pham Hung - Do Duc Duc intersection (Nam Tu Liem District) and the Nguyen Xien - Nguyen Trai junction (Thanh Xuan District) are now under round-the-clock surveillance.

At Nguyen Xien - Nguyen Trai - Khuat Duy Tien, where six warning signs alert drivers about camera enforcement, violations remain rampant. Many motorcyclists skip helmets, drive against traffic, and ignore traffic lights despite the heavy surveillance.

Common violations caught on camera

Driving against traffic: Many riders illegally turn around or go against traffic to avoid red lights.

Skipping helmets: Helmetless riders remain a common sight, particularly at large intersections.

Illegal stops and lane violations: Riders wait in the wrong lanes or park in restricted areas despite clear signage.

Using emergency lanes: Motorcycles frequently enter emergency stopping lanes on elevated highways, posing risks as cars move at high speeds.

Hanoi’s massive camera surveillance project (2025-2030)

To strengthen enforcement, the Hanoi People’s Committee recently approved the "Comprehensive Plan for Managing the City's Centralized Surveillance Camera System."

The project, which runs from 2025 to 2030, aims to upgrade Hanoi’s traffic command center in coordination with the Traffic Police Department and Hanoi Police Department.

Key figures from the project:

40,000+ new surveillance cameras will be installed.

12,000 PTZ cameras (movable security cameras with zoom and tracking).

28,000 fixed cameras (monitoring static areas).

23,700 cameras will focus on law enforcement and public safety.

16,250 cameras will monitor traffic, infrastructure, and urban management.

230 cameras will support national security and defense.

By integrating this massive surveillance network, Hanoi aims to enhance law enforcement, improve traffic safety, and maintain urban order.

However, as seen in the early stages, enforcement remains a challenge as many riders continue to ignore camera warnings.

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Automated traffic violation cameras are increasingly being installed at key intersections and high-traffic roads. Image taken at the Pham Hung - Do Duc Duc intersection (Nam Tu Liem District).
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The Nguyen Xien - Nguyen Trai intersection (Thanh Xuan District) is equipped with dozens of surveillance cameras installed overhead at each traffic light or turn.
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At the Nguyen Xien - Nguyen Trai - Khuat Duy Tien intersection (Thanh Xuan District), six warning signs indicate surveillance and fines via cameras. However, many motorcyclists still deliberately ignore the rules, causing disorderly traffic.  

In the photo, a young man without a helmet is seen making a U-turn and riding against traffic at the intersection.

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Many vehicles stop and park against the traffic direction while waiting for the signal to change.
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It is quite common for traffic participants to pass through this area without wearing helmets.
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A young man without a helmet stops his motorcycle improperly at the Nguyen Xien - Nguyen Trai intersection. Not far away, another motorcyclist is seen wearing only a soft cap while riding.
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A delivery worker rides against traffic from Khuat Duy Tien Street to avoid the red light before turning onto Nguyen Trai Street.
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Many motorcyclists enter the emergency lane on the elevated road, riding amidst fast-moving cars.
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Automated traffic violation cameras are installed right under the elevated Ring Road 3 as the Nguyen Trai - Khuat Duy Tien - Nguyen Xien intersection undergoes a pilot traffic flow adjustment.
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A "maze" of automated traffic violation cameras at the Le Van Luong - Khuat Duy Tien intersection (Thanh Xuan District) monitors vehicles moving both above and inside the underpass.
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Numerous surveillance cameras are installed, pointing in all directions to monitor traffic above the overpass at Nga Tu So (Dong Da District).
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The violations captured by automated traffic cameras for fines include: running red lights, driving in the wrong lane or road section, speeding, reckless swerving, and improper stopping, parking, or passenger pick-up/drop-off.

Thach Thao