Vietnam will impose stricter penalties for traffic violations, including a fine of up to US$786 for car drivers running red lights, significantly higher than the current rate, under a new government decree that takes effect on January 1, 2025.

Decree 168, which outlines new administrative penalties for road traffic violations, introduces much higher fines for infractions that contribute to traffic accidents, according to the Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security.

Under the decree, automobile drivers who fail to comply with traffic lights, including running red lights, one of the most common violations, will face a fine of VND18-20 million ($707-786), up from the current VND4-6 million ($157-236).

The same fines will apply to car drivers who drive against traffic on one-way streets or streets with ‘no entry’ signs.

A severe penalty of VND20-22 million ($786-864), 27-30 times higher than the current fine of VND400,000-600,000 ($16-24), will be imposed on those who open car doors unsafely and cause accidents.

Under the new decree, reckless driving behaviors such as zigzagging, speeding, or steering with feet will incur fines of up to VND50 million ($1,965), a sharp increase from the current VND12 million ($471).

Drivers reversing on expressways will be fined up to VND40 million ($1,572), more than double the current maximum of VND18 million ($707).

Other violations, including automobile drivers using phones or electronic devices while driving, will result in fines of VND4-6 million ($157-236), twice the current penalties.

For motorbike riders, running red lights will attract fines of up to VND6 million, significantly higher than the current rates of VND0.8-1 million ($31-39).

Fines for motorbike riders under the influence of alcohol will jump to VND6-10 million ($236-393) from VND4-8 million ($157-314).

Riding motorbikes on expressways will now incur fines of VND4-6 million ($157-236), double the current rates. The same fine applies to riding against one-way traffic, which is three to four times higher than the previous penalties.

For reckless driving behaviors, such as swerving, fines will rise to VND8-10 million ($314-393), an increase of VND2 million ($79).

The Ministry of Public Security’s Traffic Police Department stated that while traffic safety has improved recently, the new decree's higher penalties are essential to deter violations and reduce accidents and casualties.

A department leader emphasized that heavier fines are necessary due to low awareness of traffic laws among some individuals and the inadequacy of current penalties to deter infractions.

Vietnam’s road infrastructure faces significant challenges as nearly 500,000 new cars and two million motorcycles enter circulation annually.

From December 15, 2023 to November 14, 2024, 21,512 road traffic accidents were reported nationwide, resulting in over 9,905 deaths and more than 16,070 injuries.

Although the death toll dropped 7.99 percent compared to the previous year, the number of accidents and injuries rose 5.64 and 13.46 percent, respectively, according to the National Traffic Safety Committee.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!