Don’t Let Traffic Violations Drain Your Wallet This New Year

The Lunar New Year holidays witness a surge in long-distance travel across the country. Meanwhile, the inner-city streets of major cities tend to be quieter, leading to complacency and traffic violations.

Listed below are common traffic violations often witnessed during the festive season, which can result in administrative fines ranging from several million dong to the invalidation of one’s driver’s license.

Failure to Wear a Helmet

During the Tet holiday, it is common for city dwellers to ride their motorbikes without wearing a helmet. This traffic violation incurs an administrative fine ranging from VND 400,000 to VND 600,000.

Failing to wear a helmet while riding a motorbike can result in a fine ranging from VND 400,000 to VND 600,000.

According to Decree 168, the fine for not wearing a helmet while driving remains unchanged. However, in addition to the monetary penalty, motorists who fail to wear helmets will also have two points deducted from their driving license since the beginning of this year.

Running a Red Light

Unlike regular days, the Tet holiday often sees emptier inner-city streets in major cities as people travel to their hometowns. As a result, running red lights becomes a common occurrence. During this festive period, at many deserted intersections, drivers tend to ignore yellow or even red lights when the road appears clear.

However, this dangerous behavior can compromise the safety of the driver and lead to accidents if a vehicle suddenly appears. According to Decree 168, which came into effect at the beginning of this year, running red or yellow lights is considered a serious violation and is subject to heavy fines.

For detailed information on the regulations and fines for running yellow and red lights, please refer to this link.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Traffic violations related to alcohol consumption are prevalent during the Tet holiday. Indulging in celebratory drinks or festive beers can lead to violations and heavy fines at the start of the new year.

Driving under the influence of alcohol can result in a fine of up to VND 20 million and license revocation. Photo: Traffic Police Department

The fines for this violation, as outlined in Decree 168, have increased, with the highest fine reaching VND 20 million for car drivers.

Tri Thức – Znews has provided updated information on the specific fines and changes compared to the previous decree here.

Turning Right at a Red Light

Turning right at a red light is a common habit among many drivers, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. With the enforcement of Decree 168, there has been an improvement in compliance, and this violation has decreased.

Turning right at a red light is a violation that can incur a fine of up to VND 6 million. Photo: Duy Hieu

However, during the Tet holiday, when the streets are quieter, this issue resurfaces at intersections across Ho Chi Minh City. According to the new regulations, this violation carries a fine of several million dong as of the beginning of this year.

For detailed information on the fines for turning right at a red light, please refer to this link.

Carrying Children Over Six Years Old in Front of a Motorbike

The Tet holiday is a time for family gatherings or long-distance trips to visit relatives. However, failing to carry children properly on motorbikes can result in administrative fines and point deductions from one’s driving license.

Compared to previous years, the fines for this violation have increased, and the regulations regarding the age of children allowed to sit in front and behind the driver have been updated in Decree 168, providing clear guidelines for motorists to follow and avoid violations.

Carrying children over six years old in front of a motorbike is subject to heavy fines. Photo: Viet Linh

To learn more about the age restrictions for carrying children and the corresponding fines, please refer to this link.

While these traffic violations occur throughout the year, they tend to increase during the Tet holiday. To ensure a safe start to the new year and avoid financial penalties, motorists should proactively stay informed about traffic regulations and adhere to them, avoiding unnecessary violations.

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