“Transformative Regulations: Revolutionizing Vietnamese Traffic Culture”

These new policies not only directly impact car and motorcycle drivers but also gradually reshape Vietnam’s traffic culture.

Strict Enforcement of Violations via Decree 168

Starting January 1, 2025, the Road Traffic Order and Safety Law and its implementing regulations take effect, replacing outdated rules deemed insufficiently deterrent. Among these, Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP on administrative penalties for road traffic violations stands out with significantly increased fines for dangerous behaviors directly causing accidents.

Under the new penalty framework, offenses like running red lights, driving against traffic, making U-turns or reversing on highways, and using phones while driving incur fines several times higher than before. Specifically, car drivers face fines of VND 18-20 million for running red lights or up to VND 40 million for driving against traffic or reversing on highways. Even motorcyclists see penalties for common violations like riding on sidewalks or running red lights multiplied. Early data shows a noticeable drop in violations shortly after implementation, highlighting the immediate impact of economic penalties on law compliance.

Driver’s License Points System: A Measure of Driver Awareness

Notably, 2025 marks Vietnam’s first implementation of a points-based Driver’s License (DL) system. Each driver starts with 12 points annually to maintain driving privileges. Violations deduct points based on severity. Depleting all points invalidates the license, requiring a knowledge retest for reinstatement. Experts believe this system leverages drivers’ fear of losing their license, encouraging sustained safe driving habits over mere fine payments.

Standardizing License Categories to International Standards

The driver’s license system has also been overhauled to align with international standards. From 2025, license categories expand from 13 to 15, with updated names, vehicle scopes, and fixed validity periods. Some familiar categories are merged or adjusted, and many licenses now have set expiration dates instead of age-based limits. While initially confusing for drivers renewing or obtaining licenses, the clearer categorization is expected to streamline management and facilitate international driver’s license issuance for overseas driving.

AI Technology: The All-Seeing Eye on Every Road

Technological advancements have become a powerful tool for authorities this year. AI-integrated cameras now widely monitor roads, accurately detecting violations from helmetless riding to phone use while driving. This not only reduces the burden on traffic police but also ensures absolute transparency, compelling drivers to obey laws regardless of enforcement presence.

Digital Vehicle Management via Identification Apps

Additionally, 2025 sees progress in vehicle and owner management through electronic apps like VNeID and VNeTraffic, managed by the Ministry of Public Security. Integrating vehicle information, registration documents, and traffic violation histories into these digital identification apps allows citizens to conveniently track their legal obligations. However, implementation reveals a common issue: many vehicles sold long ago lack proper ownership transfer, leaving former owners legally responsible. Authorities urge citizens to proactively declare non-ownership to end legal risks and facilitate proper registration and transfer processes.

In summary, 2025 is not just a year of new regulations but the beginning of a transparent, law-abiding traffic era in Vietnam. With synchronized enforcement through administrative penalties and technology, Vietnamese traffic culture is poised for a safer, more civilized transformation.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)