New Traffic Violation Penalties in Vietnam: What You Need to Know
Drivers who use their driver’s license that has no points left will be fined between 18-20 million VND, as per new traffic violation regulations.
Article 9 of Section 18 in Decree No. 168/2024/ND-CP specifies the fines for each violation, corresponding to the type of paperwork involved.
Specifically, a fine ranging from 18 to 20 million VND will be imposed on drivers of automobiles, automobile-like vehicles, four-wheeled passenger vehicles with engines, and four-wheeled cargo vehicles with engines who commit any of the following acts:
Holding a driver’s license that is inappropriate for the type of vehicle being operated, or possessing a driver’s license that has expired for more than a year;
Not having a driver’s license, or using a driver’s license that has no points left, or using a driver’s license not issued by a competent authority, or using an altered or invalidated driver’s license.
Consequently, motorists who drive with a driver’s license that has no points left may face a maximum fine of 20 million VND.
Additionally, according to Article 56, Clause 1 of the 2024 Road Traffic and Safety Law, drivers participating in road traffic must meet age and health requirements stipulated by law, and possess a valid driver’s license with remaining points, appropriate for the type of vehicle they are operating, excluding motorcycle riders. When participating in road traffic, drivers must carry the following documents:
Vehicle Registration Certificate or a notarized copy of the same, along with the original confirmation document from a credit institution or foreign bank branch if the vehicle is mortgaged there;
A driver’s license suitable for the type of vehicle being operated; A certificate of technical safety inspection and environmental protection for motor vehicles as per legal regulations; Compulsory civil liability insurance for motor vehicle owners.
If these documents have been integrated into the VNeID, they can be presented and checked through the electronic identification account.
Furthermore, the 2024 Road Traffic and Safety Law prohibits the installation and use of audio and lighting equipment on motor vehicles that disrupt traffic order and safety.
Installing additional lighting that deviates from the manufacturer’s original design is considered a violation of the law and may result in various penalties, depending on the case.
According to Article 14, Clause 1 of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, drivers may be fined between 400,000 and 600,000 VND for the following violation:
Operating a vehicle without functional near or far-reaching lights, or with lights that do not meet design standards, or operating a vehicle with rear-facing lights.
Fines ranging from 4,000,000 to 6,000,000 VND for individuals and from 8,000,000 to 12,000,000 VND for organizations (as the vehicle’s owner) who arbitrarily modify the frame, engine, shape, size, or characteristics of the vehicle, including the unauthorized installation or alteration of lighting systems.
H.L (ANTĐ)
