Hanoi wants to increase fines for flouting road rules to 1.5-2 times

Hanoi city authorities are planning to significantly increase fines for 107 traffic violations, raising them by 1.5-2 times their current levels starting July 2025. This proposal, drafted by the city’s People’s Committee, is currently open for public consultation.

The fine adjustments will be based on several factors, including the frequency of specific violations, their contribution to accidents and traffic congestion, and their impact on public order and infrastructure. Violations targeted in the proposal include ignoring road markings, driving in prohibited areas, speeding, illegal parking, reckless or drunk driving, and modifying exhaust systems, among others.

Although the government already increased penalties for traffic violations at the start of 2024, Hanoi authorities believe further hikes are necessary to improve compliance, foster safer traffic behavior, and reduce congestion and accidents.

Under the draft resolution, fines for less severe violations will be doubled, while penalties for more serious infractions will rise by 1.5 times. Specific examples include fines for automobiles parked in areas with "No Parking" or "No Stopping and Parking" signs, which will increase from VND600,000-800,000 to VND1.2-1.6 million (US$48).

Driving in the wrong lane or exceeding the speed limit by 10-20 kph will incur fines that rise from VND4-6 million to VND8-12 million. Similarly, driving under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol level of ≤ 50 mg/100 ml or a breath alcohol level of ≤ 0.25 mg/l, will see penalties increase from VND6-8 million to VND9-12 million.

Motorcyclists not wearing helmets or improperly fastening them will face higher fines, which will double from VND400,000-600,000 to VND800,000-1.2 million. The same increased penalties will apply to motorcyclists carrying oversized or overweight goods.

For violations such as parking on bridges or traveling three to a motorbike, fines will increase from VND600,000-800,000 to VND1.2-1.6 million. Drunk motorcyclists with a blood alcohol level within the same range will face penalties increasing from VND2-3 million to VND3-4.5 million.

Hanoi’s initiative is supported by the 2024 Capital Law, which grants the city council the authority to set fines up to twice the national levels for certain violations. Once public feedback is collected, the resolution will be submitted to the people’s council for approval.

If passed, the new fines are expected to take effect from July 2025. This move underscores the city’s commitment to enhancing traffic safety and compliance through stricter enforcement measures.