If you are reading old forum posts from 2023, ignore them.
On January 1, 2025, Vietnam implemented Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, a sweeping update to traffic laws that massively increased penalties.
The days of paying a “coffee money” bribe of 200,000 VND are largely over. Police enforcement is now stricter, cameras are everywhere, and the fines for common tourist mistakes (like running a red light or missing a license) can now cost more than your entire motorbike rental.
To see the bigger picture, note that this post is part of our Vietnam Motorcycle Legal Vault, where you can access our full library of legal advice and rider requirements.
Before we list every violation, here are the ones that catch travelers out the most. Note the massive price jumps for 2026.
Speed limits are 40-50km/h in cities and 60-70km/h outside.
Vietnam has a 0.0% limit. One beer is illegal.
Important Update: The law has split license categories. The fine depends on the bike size.
Note: If you are riding a Honda XR150 (149cc) without a valid license, you now face the higher tier fine.
This is the biggest shock for most riders.
Below is the breakdown of other common infractions.
| Violation | Fine (VND) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No Blue Card (Registration) | 800,000 – 1,000,000 | Plus 7-day bike impound. |
| No Insurance (Yellow Paper) | 100,000 – 200,000 | Mandatory Liability Insurance. |
| Expired License | 2,000,000 – 4,000,000 | Treated as ‘No License’ |
| Violation | Fine (VND) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong Lane | 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 | Riding in the car-only lane. |
| Wrong Way (One Way St) | 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 | Riding against traffic flow. |
| Using Mobile Phone | 800,000 – 1,000,000 | Even for maps.Mount it, don’t hold it. |
| Headphones / Earbuds | 800,000 – 1,000,000 | Wearing earbuds is illegal. |
| No Turn Signal | 400,000 – 600,000 | Required for every turn/lane change. |
| High Beams in City | 400,000 – 600,000 | Use low beams in urban areas. |
| Riding on Sidewalk | 400,000 – 600,000 | Strictly enforced in cities. |
| Violation | Fine (VND) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying 3+ People | 400,000 – 600,000 | Only 2 adults allowed per bike. |
| Passenger No Helmet | 400,000 – 600,000 | Driver pays the fine for the passenger. |
Knowing the rules isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about respect. When you ride in Vietnam, you are a guest. Following the local traffic laws—even when locals don’t—shows that you respect the culture and the safety of those around you.
If you are ever unsure about a fine or a police stop while riding one of our bikes, call us immediately.
Daily
Total
Rider (CRF 300)
$220
Pillion
$120
Damage Waiver
$20
Private Room
$40
Support Vehicle*
$150
* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group.
Daily
Total
Rider (XR 150)
Rider (CRF 300)
Rider (CB 500X)
Rider (GS 1250)
Pillion
$120
Damage Waiver
$20
Private Room
$40
Support Vehicle*
$150
* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group.
Daily
Total
Jeep (1 PAX)
$210
Jeep (2 PAX)
$120
Jeep (3 PAX)
$90
Jeep (4+ PAX)
$80
Rider (Easy Rider)
$115
Rider (Self-Drive)
$105
Private Room
$15
* Our jeep tour prices operate on a sliding scale. The larger your group, the less each person pays—each member of your group will pay the lowest daily rate shown. For example, if you have a group of 4 or more, you will each only pay $80/day. All prices are given in USD.
Engine Type
air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine
Displacement
1255 cc
Bore X Stroke
102.5 mm x 76 mm
Ignition
FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm
Rear Suspension
single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front Brakes
dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers
Rear Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper
Front Tyres
120/70 R19
Rear Tyres
170/60 R17
Wheelbase
1514 mm
Seat Height
850 mm
Ground Clearance
790 mm
Kerb Weight
249 kg
Fuel Capacity
20 litres
Dimensions
2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)
Engine Type
air cooled, OHC, single cylinder
Displacement
149 cc
Bore X Stroke
57.3 mm x 57.8 mm
Ignition
CDI
Fuel System
20 mm piston valve carburettor
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
electric with kick starter backup
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel
Rear Suspension
single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel
Front Brakes
dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc
Rear Brakes
mechanical drum
Front Tyres
90/90 19
Rear Tyres
110/90 17
Wheelbase
1362 mm
Seat Height
825 mm
Ground Clearance
243 mm
Kerb Weight
129 kg
Fuel Capacity
12 litres
Dimensions
2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)
Engine Type
liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke
Displacement
470 cc
Bore X Stroke
67 mm x 66.8 mm
Ignition
PGMI – FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS
Rear Brakes
240 mm disc; ABS
Front Tyres
110/80R19M/C (59H)
Rear Tyres
160/60R17M/C
Wheelbase
1445 mm
Seat Height
830 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
Kerb Weight
199 kg
Fuel Capacity
17.7 litres
Dimensions
2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)
Engine Type
single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled
Displacement
286 cc
Bore X Stroke
76 mm x 63 mm
Ignition
Full Transistor Digital
Fuel System
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
43 mm telescopic upside down
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
220 mm disc, single piston caliper
Front Tyres
80/100 21
Rear Tyres
120/80 18
Wheelbase
1455 mm
Seat Height
880 mm
Ground Clearance
285 mm
Kerb Weight
142 kg
Fuel Capacity
7.8 litres
Dimensions
2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)
