The most common traffic and parking violations in Vietnam, and how to pay them. Don't get caught, read our guide
10 May 2014
| Last updated on 30 July 2019
Any driver in Vietnam should be aware of the legislation governing traffic offences...
From reckless driving, driving while inebriated, to driving without a valid license, take a look at what Vietnam's road and traffic regulations have to say about the most common traffic violations in Vietnam
If you get a traffic fine it's best not to wait around and it must be paid straight away. A car is not the most popular mode of transport as most people in Vietnam prefer to ride a motorcycle - the locals find that it’s easier to get around that way. Because of this, information about parking regulations are very few and far between. However, general road rules apply and common sense is advised when choosing to park your car.
Most common traffic violations and fines in Vietnam
If you are caught by Vietnam authorities breaking traffic regulations, they'll salute you, point at you with their bright torch, motion for you to stop and pull over. Once you're pulled over, you'll need to have valid paperwork including your valid driver's license, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, and passport or ID, take the ticket and pay it within a few weeks at the tax office.
The Vietnamese police officer has the right to confiscate your vehicle's registration and driver's license, depending on the severity of the case. Here's a list of Vietnam traffic offences and the penalties for each one:
Speeding violations
- Excessive speed from 5 - under 10 km/h: VND 100,000 - 200,000
- Excessive speed from 10 - 20 km/h: VND 500,000 - 1,000,000
- Excessive speed over 20 km/h: VND 2,000,000 - 3,000,000, and confiscation of driver's license for 30 days
Driving in prohibited areas
- Passing at the prohibited area: VND 500,000 - 1,000,000
- Driving in a prohibited area or the opposite side: VND 200,000 - 400,000, and confiscation of driver's license for 30 days
- Driving in the wrong path of road or lane: VND 200,000 - 400,000
Traffic offences
- Non-compliance with the signal of traffic lights: VND 200,000 - 400,000, and confiscation of driver's license for 30 days
- Non-compliance with the command of a traffic controller: VND 200,000 - 400,000, and confiscation of driver's license for 30 adys
- Changing direction without reducing speed: VND 200,000 - 400,000
- Changing direction without the signal informing turning direction: VND 200,000 - 400,000
Drunk driving
- Level of alcohol in the blood over 0.25mg - 0.4mg/l: VND 500,000 - 1,000,000, confiscation of vehicle for 7 days, and confiscation of license for 30 days
- Level of alcohol in the blood over 0.4mg/l: VND 2,000,000 - 3,000,000, confiscation of vehicle for 7 days, and confiscation of license for 60 days
- Non-compliance with checking for the levels of alcohol in the blood: VND 2,000,000 - 3,000,000, confiscation of vehicle for 7 days, and confiscation of license for 60 days
The most common method of transport in Vietnam is by motorbike.
Failing to carry valid paperwork
- Not carrying Registered Certificate of the motor or a valid driving License: VND 80,000 - 120,000
- No carrying insurance Certificate of Motor: VND 80,000 - 120,000
- Driving without owning a driving license: VND 800,000 - 1,200,000, and confiscation of vehicle for 7 days
- Driving without owning a Registered Certificate of motor: VND 300,000 - 400,000, and confiscation of vehicle for 7 days
Reckless driving
- Driving a motor with a capacity over 175 cm3 without driving license: VND 4,000,000 - 6,000,000, and confiscation of vehicle for 7 days
- Not wearing a helmet: VND 100,000 - 200,000
- Using phone when driving: VND 60,000 - 80,000
- Pulling or pushing other vehicles on purpose: VND 200,000 - 400,000
- Taking off 2 hands while driving: VND 5,000,000 - 7,000,000, confiscation of vehicle for 7 days, and confiscation of license for 60 days
- Weaving when driving: VND 5,000,000 - 7,000,000, confiscation of vehicle for 7 days, and confiscation of license for 60 days
- Driving on one wheel (on a 2-wheel vehicle): VND 5,000,000 - 7,000,000, confiscation of vehicle for 7 days, and confiscation of license for 60 days
- Driving self-assembly or self-produced vehicles: VND 800,000 - 1,000,000
Where to pay traffic fines in Vietnam
When you're caught and requested to pull over by a police offer, most of the time you won't have to go anywhere else because you'll be able to pay the fee to the police officer who issued the fine.
Where you can't park in Vietnam
Many public areas in Vietnam including shopping malls and parking lots provide sufficient parking space for both cars and motorcycles but note there will be a small charge in some areas.
Parking a motorcycle on the pavement is permitted in urban areas, the parking is usually free although some places charge a small amount to park the vehicle to provide security but note that the parking rates are often not posted, so it is worth checking with the establishment or parking attendant on site.
These are the places you can't park in if you own and drive a vehicle in Vietnam:
- Within five metres of crossroads.
- At bus stops.
- On pedestrian crossings.
- On curves or bends in the road.
- At the top of hills.
- On bridges and flyovers.
- Over manholes or sewers.
- Obstructing warning signs.
- Where ‘no-parking signs’ are posted.
- On pedestrian-only roads.
If you park your car illegally in any city in Vietnam the police have the right to impound your vehicle there and then.
How to recover your impounded vehicle in Vietnam
In order to get your impounded car, motorbike, truck, van, or bus, you must attend the local police station armed with the vehicle registration documents and your ID card or passport.
The police will then issue you with a citation, which then requires you to take a trip to another office, as the police are not allowed to accept the payment of fines.
You must then go back to the original police station with your parking fine receipt and exchange it for your vehicle.
Breakdown and recovery of vehicles in Vietnam
There are no breakdown and recovery companies in Vietnam.
So if your vehicle breaks down suddenly you will need to locate a service on your own. Some insurance companies have agreements with repair shops that come to the vehicle and either repair it or tow it away, so it is definitely worth investing with them.
