“A Costly Distraction: How a Phone Call While Riding Your Motorcycle Could Cost You Dearly”

It is not uncommon for people to use their phones while navigating roads, whether it’s to check maps, take calls, send texts, or scroll through social media. However, this behavior poses a danger not only to the driver but also to other road users and is illegal, attracting fines up to millions of Dong.

According to Decree 168, motorbike riders caught using their phones face a fine ranging from VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000. On top of the monetary penalty, four points will be deducted from their driving license.

In the event that a motorbike rider causes a traffic accident while using their phone, the penalty increases to a fine of VND 10,000,000 to VND 14,000,000 and a deduction of 10 points from their driving license.

For car drivers, the use of phones while driving attracts a fine of VND 4,000,000 to VND 6,000,000 and a deduction of four points from their license. If a car driver uses their phone and causes a traffic accident, the fine rises to VND 20,000,000 to VND 22,000,000, along with a deduction of 10 points from their driving license.

Using a phone while riding a motorbike is subject to a fine of VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000. Photo: Duy Anh.

Decree 168 also outlines fines for those riding bicycles or electric bikes while using their phones, with penalties ranging from VND 100,000 to VND 200,000.

In Thailand, using a phone while riding a motorbike is considered a violation of the law, and offenders may be fined up to 1,000 Baht, which is approximately 30 USD.

In the United States, fines for using a phone while driving vary by state. For instance, in Missouri, offenders face a fine of $150 to $500 USD. In Colorado, the fine ranges from $75 to $250 USD.

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