The increase in fines for traffic violations has been met with support from many citizens, who believe that stricter penalties will help reduce congestion and road accidents.
Enhanced Enforcement of Violations
According to the Hanoi City Police’s Traffic Police Department, after a 24-hour inspection and enforcement campaign following Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP, which introduced higher fines for basic traffic violations, the city penalized 594 cases, collecting VND 1,671,825,000 in fines, temporarily confiscating 189 vehicles and 385 sets of documents, and revoking 19 driver’s licenses.
Analysis revealed that the majority of violations were running red lights (62 cases), driving in prohibited directions (20 cases), speeding (18 cases), illegal parking (72 cases), drunk driving (138 cases), and failure to wear a helmet (237 cases), among others.
The Traffic Police Department assessed that January 2, 2025, being the first working day after the New Year holiday, saw the roads of Hanoi bustling with traffic once again.
While congestion persisted in certain areas such as Khuất Duy Tiến, Láng, and Phạm Hùng, there was a notable absence of jaywalking, vehicles stopping past the designated lines, and red-light running. This change was also acknowledged by the media, commenting on the “unusual” state of the capital’s traffic.
The increase in fines for traffic violations has been well-received by citizens, as it is believed to contribute to reducing congestion and road accidents.
At the notoriously congested multi-level intersection of Nguyễn Trãi and Khuất Duy Tiến in Thanh Xuân District, where traffic participants were previously known for disregarding signal lights and driving in prohibited directions, the 7th Traffic Police Team deployed their forces early on to collaborate with other units in managing traffic flow as usual. A significant reduction in violations was observed.
In one particular case, N.C.N. (born in 2005, Hanoi) was caught driving a motorcycle in the wrong direction on Nguyen Xien Street towards the Nguyen Trai – Khuat Duy Tien intersection. When questioned, N.C.N., a student, admitted to following Google Maps and trying to turn back by driving in the wrong direction to save time. For driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street, N.C.N. will face a fine of VND 4-6 million and a deduction of 2 points from the driver’s license.
On the same day, numerous students and ride-hailing drivers were penalized for similar violations, such as running red lights and driving in prohibited directions, with fines amounting to VND 5 million each. All violators acknowledged their wrongdoing and pledged to not repeat their actions. During the handling process, violators were shown footage of their infractions captured by surveillance cameras to ensure their understanding and acceptance of the penalties.
Public Support for Stricter Penalties
Many citizens have expressed their support for the increased fines for traffic violations, believing that stricter penalties will help reduce congestion and road accidents. Ms. Nguyen Thuý Hạnh from Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, shared her perspective: “I fully support the increase in fines for traffic violations. By targeting people’s finances, we can encourage safer driving practices and reduce violations. This has become evident in the first two days of implementing Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP.”
In addition to enhanced enforcement, the Hanoi Traffic Police will intensify patrols and inspections and engage in more promotional activities to raise awareness and compliance with traffic laws among citizens.
Mr. Phung Anh Minh from Hoang Mai, Hanoi, shared a similar viewpoint: “My daily commute involves one of the most congested routes in Hanoi. Every morning, I have to navigate through a nearly 5-kilometer stretch of gridlocked traffic. To save time, I, along with many others, would often drive on the sidewalk. However, with the implementation of Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP and its higher fines, I have refrained from violating traffic rules. The increased penalties have definitely made me more cautious and law-abiding to avoid financial losses and potential accidents.”
Colonel Tran Dinh Nghia, Head of the Hanoi Traffic Police Department, emphasized that the higher fines are not merely about deterrence but also about holding accountable those who intentionally break the law, ultimately contributing to restoring order on the roads.
Moving forward, the Hanoi Traffic Police will not only enhance enforcement but also intensify patrols and inspections. They will also engage in more promotional activities to raise awareness and compliance with traffic laws among citizens, with the ultimate goal of creating a safe and civilized traffic environment.
Thanh Ha (Tuoitrethudo)
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