Fines increased 10-fold for motorcyclists riding on sidewalks

Motorcyclists caught running red lights, riding in the wrong direction, or encroaching on sidewalks (except when accessing a specific address) in Vietnam now face fines of VND4-6 million (US$157-236 million), a 10-fold increase from the previous penalty.
Starting Jan. 1, Decree 168 introduces stricter penalties for motorcyclists riding on sidewalks, going against traffic on one-way streets, or ignoring no-entry signs. In addition to the fines, violators will lose 2 points on their driving license, which has a total of 12 points.

To regain a full 12 points, they must go 12 months without any further violations from the date of their last point deduction. Drivers who lose all points on their licenses will be prohibited from driving. If all points are lost, drivers must wait at least six months after losing the last point to retake the driving test.

The decree also increases fines for failing to wear helmets or improperly fastening helmet straps. Motorcyclists or passengers without properly secured helmets will face fines of VND400,000-600,000, up from the previous VND300,000-400,000. Exceptions apply for medical emergencies, children under six, or transporting criminals. Both drivers and passengers will be fined equally for helmet violations.

Public road misuse is also targeted under the decree. Activities such as playing football, badminton, or drying grains and agricultural products on roads will incur fines of VND200,000-250,000. Occupying central dividers for selling goods, storing construction materials, or parking vehicles will result in fines of VND500,000-1 million, with penalties doubled for organizations.

More severe violations carry harsher fines. Reckless driving, such as zigzagging or scraping kickstands along the road, will result in fines of VND8-10 million and a 10-12 month suspension of driving licenses, up from the previous VND2-3 million.

The VND8-10 million fine also applies to motorcyclists engaged in illegal racing, speeding, failing to stop after causing an accident, tampering with accident scenes, refusing alcohol tests, leaning on other drivers while moving, or persistently honking or revving engines in densely populated or hospital areas.

A new regulation under Decree 168 permits immediate vehicle confiscation for dangerous behaviors, such as riding hands-free, sitting sideways or lying on the motorbike's seat while driving, steering with feet, switching drivers mid-motion, blindfolded driving, or performing wheelies.