A deputy police chief in Hanoi has been fined for riding a motorbike without a helmet while carrying his wife, who was also without a helmet, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

The officer, identified as N.P.H., serves as the deputy head of the police agency in O Cho Dua Ward, Dong Da District.

The violation occurred at the intersection of Hoang Cau and Dang Tien Dong Streets.

A citizen captured a photo of H. riding a motorbike without a helmet while his wife was seated behind him, also without a helmet, and reported it to authorities via the iHanoi app.

Following the public outcry, police verified the report and imposed an administrative fine on H. just like any regular citizen, a leader of the Dong Da District police agency told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper the same day.

The official added that H. had already paid the fine.

During an internal meeting to address the violation, H. explained that he and his wife had parked their motorbike while shopping near the Hoang Cau - Dang Tien Dong Intersection area and their two crash helmets were stolen.

As it was close to the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, he claimed he was unable to find a shop selling helmets on his way home.

“I will learn from this and be more cautious in the future,” H. reportedly said in his official statement.

As per prevailing regulations, riders caught without a helmet face fines ranging from VND800,000 (US$32) to VND1.2 million ($48). 

The passenger without a helmet can also be fined VND400,000-600,000 ($16-24).

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