What Are the Fine Systems for Running a Red Light in Different Countries?

As per the new regulations that came into effect on January 1, 2025, the offense of disobeying traffic signals will result in a fine of 4-6 million VND for motorcycle riders and 18-20 million VND for car drivers, with points deducted from their driving licenses. Compared to the penalties outlined in Decree 100 and Decree 123, the fines for running a red light have increased significantly.

Countries around the world also have strict penalties for those who run red lights.

Thailand

In Thailand, the fine for driving through a red light is 4,000 baht, which is equivalent to nearly 3 million VND. This is a fourfold increase from the previous fine of 1,000 baht (approximately 746,000 VND). Thailand also has stringent penalties for driving under the influence. For first-time offenders, the fine ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 baht (approximately 3.7 to 14.9 million VND), or a maximum of one year in prison, or a combination of both. If a violator is caught reoffending within two years, the fine increases to 50,000-100,000 baht (approximately 37.3 to 74.6 million VND), or a maximum of two years’ imprisonment, or a combination of both.

Singapore

Unlike the system in Vietnam, where each driver starts with 12 points, drivers in Singapore start with zero points. Every traffic violation results in a deduction of points. In Singapore, driving a car through a red light will result in a deduction of 12 points and a fine of 400 SGD (approximately 7.5 million VND) for small cars and 500 SGD (approximately 9.3 million VND) for heavy vehicles. For motorcycle riders, the fine is 200 SGD, which is equivalent to approximately 3.7 million VND.

Newly licensed drivers in Singapore will have their licenses revoked if they accumulate 13 demerit points within the first 12 months of receiving their license. To get their license back, they must retake the theoretical and practical driving tests. For long-standing drivers without a history of violations, their licenses will be suspended for a maximum of 12 weeks if they accumulate 24 demerit points or more within a 24-month period. If a driver has a history of violations, their motorcycle license will be revoked for a maximum of 36 months if they accumulate 12 demerit points within a 12-month period.

Japan

Japan categorizes traffic violations into four main groups, distinguished by the colors White, Green, Red, and Yellow. Running a red light falls under the Yellow group and results in a deduction of 2 points. Additionally, those who run a red light in Japan are subject to a fine ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 yen (approximately 974,000 to 1.9 million VND), depending on the type of vehicle they are driving.

Japan also has strict regulations regarding driving under the influence. If a driver’s blood alcohol content exceeds 0.03%, they may face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 yen (approximately 81.1 million VND). If the blood alcohol content exceeds 0.05%, the fine increases to 1 million yen (over 162 million VND), and the violator may face up to five years in prison. In Japan, providing alcohol to a person who is found to be driving under the influence or encouraging them to drink is also punishable. Additionally, lending a vehicle to someone who is intoxicated is subject to severe penalties.

United States

In the United States, the penalty for running a red light varies from state to state. The severity of the penalty also depends on the speed at which the red light was run and the number of previous violations. In New York City, the fine for running a red light is $50, plus a $4 processing fee, totaling $54, which is equivalent to nearly 1.4 million VND. Notably, the owner of the vehicle is responsible for paying this fine, regardless of who was driving at the time of the offense. In California, the fine for running a red light is $100, or approximately 2.5 million VND. Including additional fees, the total cost of a red-light violation detected by a camera surveillance system in this state can reach $500 (approximately 12.7 million VND).

In Louisiana, the fine for running a red light is $100-$125 (approximately 2.5-3.2 million VND) depending on the area, and this violation is not considered a criminal offense or recorded on the driver’s record. In Oregon, running a red light is classified as a Class B traffic violation, with a maximum fine of $1,000 (over 25 million VND).

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