Comprehensive list: 65 Traffic Violations for Motorcyclists in Vietnam(2025)

Updated 26/01/2025
vietnamese police in Hanoi pull over motorcyclist

When driving in any country it is essential for the safety of all road users that driver’s know and understand the rules that they are to follow. With this knowledge you are better placed to show yourself as a responsible traveller. This guide shows you the full list. However, if you would like to quickly review the traffic violations you are most likely to encounter, you can.

Contents

Why understand traffic rules in Vietnam?

Like in any country, the traffic laws are complicated but fortunately most of them follow international conventions. Having a good understanding of Vietnam’s traffic laws before you arrive can help make your trip safe and avoid clashes with police. It is wise to comply with traffic laws in Vietnam when driving a motorcycle for several reasons. Most significantly to:

  • Maintain safety: Following the rules and doing the same as every other rider will help to minimize the risk of an accident for everyone.
  • Avoid fines / detainments: Traffic rules are legally enforced and breaking these rules can result in fines, detainments and other legal troubles.
  • Maintain respect for the culture: It is quite impolite to come into someones’ house and disrespect the rules. You will be seen as more cultured, respectful and polite if you drive in accordance with the law. Think of those visitors who come after you and the impact your actions may have on them.
  • Ensure smooth travel: Knowing the rules can result in more efficient travel. It can help you navigate unfamiliar routes, avoid congestion and reach your destination safely and on time.
  • Maintain composure in emergencies: When traveling, it is impossible to avoid emergencies. A good understanding of traffic rules will make it easier for you to solve emergencies.

65 Traffic Violations for Motorcycles in Vietnam (2025)

ViolationPenalty
1. Failure to comply with the commands and instructions of traffic signs and road markings except for violations specified in Nos. 12, 14, 16, 21, 23, 24, 28, 32, 33, 34, 35, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 49, 52, 61.200-400k
2. No signal before overtaking or signal is given but not used during overtaking.200-400k
3. Reversing a three wheeled motorcycle without looking to the sides of behind the vehicle or without signalling.200-400k
4. Carrying people using an umbrella.200-400k
5. Failure to comply with regulations on giving way at intersections, except for violations specified in items 42 and 43.200-400k
6. Changing lanes in an unauthorized place or without signalling or changing lanes in violation of the regulation ‘each time changing lanes is only allowed to move to one adjacent lane’.200-400k
7. Not using lights between 6pm and 6am the following day or when there is fog, smoke, dust, rain, or bad weather that limits visibility.200-400k
8. Avoid vehicles that do not comply with regulations, use high beams when meeting pedestrians crossing the road or when driving in a residential area with an active lighting system or when meeting oncoming traffic(except in the case where the median strip has anti-glare capabilities) or when changing direction at an intersection; do not give way to oncoming vehicles as prescribed in narrow roads, steep roads or places with obstacles.200-400k
9. Using the horn from 10pm the previous day to 5am the following day in a densely populated area, medical examination and treatment facilities, except for priority vehicles on duty as prescribed.200-400k
10. Driving below the minimum speed limit on a road section with a minimum speed limit.400-600k
11. Stop or park on the roadway outside urban areas where there is a sidewalk400-600k
12. Driving a vehicle at a speed exceeding the prescribed speed limit by 5-10km/h400-600k
13. Driving at a low speed without keeping to the right side of the road causing traffic obstruction.400-600k
14. Stopping or parking vehicles on the roadway, obstructing traffic; gathering 3 or more vehicles on the roadway, in a road tunnel, illegally parking or leaving vehicles on the roadway or sidewalk.400 – 600k + confiscate equipment
15. Vehicles without priority rights using signalling devices of vehicles with priority rights.400-600k
16. Stopping or parking at pick-up and drop-off points, at road intersections, on pedestrian crossings; stopping where there is a ‘ No stopping or parking’ sign; parking where there is sign ‘No red lights’ or ‘No stopping and parking’; failure to comply with regulations on stopping and parking at road intersections a the same level as railways; stopping and parking within the railway traffic safety corridor.400-600k
17. Carrying 2 people on the same vehicle, except in cases of transporting sick people for emergency care, children under 12 years old, elderly or disabled people, or escorting people who have violated the law.400-600k
18. Not wearing a motorcycle helmet or wearing a motorcycle helmet with the strap not properly fastened when driving on the road.400-600k
19. Carrying a person on a vehicle without wearing a helmet for motorcyclists or wearing a helmet for motorcyclists without fastening the strap properly, except in cases of transporting a sick person to the emergency room, a child under 6 years old, or escorting a person who has violated the law.400-600k
20. Turning the vehicle around in a place where turning a vehicle around is not allowed except for violations specified in no. 35.600 – 800k
21. Changing direction without observing or ensuring a safe distance from the vehicle behind or without reducing speed or without signalling a turn or signalling a turn but not using it continuously during the change of direction (expect when driving a vehicle along a curve of a road section where the road does not intersect at the same level), driving a vehicle to turn left where there is a sign prohibiting left turns for the type of vehicle being driven; driving a vehicle to turn right where there is a sign prohibiting right turns for the type of vehicle being driven.600 – 800k + 2 penalty points
22. Carrying 3 or more people on the vehicle.
23. Stopping / parking on a bridge.600 – 800k
24. Driving a vehicle that does not keep to the right in the direction of travel; driving in the wrong part of the road or lane (lane in the same direction or lane in the opposite direction); driving a vehicle across the fixed median strip between two lanes of traffic.600 – 800k
25. Overtake on the right where not permitted.600 – 800k
26. A person driving a vehicle carrying a passenger on the vehicle, holding on to, pulling, punching another vehicle or object, leading an animal, carrying bulky objects; carrying a person standing on the saddle, luggage rack or the handlebars of the vehicle.600 – 800k
27. Driving a vehicle towing another vehicle or object.600 – 800k
28. Not using low beams when driving in tunnels.600 – 800k
29. Not keeping safe distance to avoid collision with the vehicle in front or not keeping the distance as prescribed by the ‘minimum distance between two vehicles’ sign.600 – 800k
30. Driving in a row of three or more.600 – 800k
31. Vehicles with priority rights install or use priority signalling devices that are not in accordance with regulations or use priority signaling devices without a license issued by a competent authority or has a license issued by a competent authority that is no longer valid according to regulations.800 – 1Million
32. Driving a vehicle at a speed exceeding the prescribed speed limit by 10-20km/h800 – 1Million
33. Stopping or parking in a road tunnel in an incorrect location.800 – 1Million
34. Overtaking in cases where overtaking is not allowed, overtaking on a road section with a sign prohibiting overtaking for the type of vehicle being driven.800 – 1Million
35. Turning around in a tunnel.800 – 1million + 4 penalty points
36. The driver is not allowed to use an umbrella, audio equipment (except hearing aids), handle the handle and use the phone or other electronic devices.1-2M + 2 penalty points
37. Driving a vehicle directly involved in a traffic accident without immediately stopping the vehicle, not preserving the scene, not assisting the victim, except for violations specified in item 53.1-2M + 2 penalty points
38. Changing direction without giving the right of way to: pedestrians, wheelchairs of disabled people crossing the street at a crosswalk; non-motorized vehicles travelling on the roadway reserved for non-motorized vehicles.1-2M + 2 penalty points
39. Changing direction without giving way to: oncoming vehicles; pedestrians, and non-motorized vehicles crossing the road where there are no pedestrian crossings.2-3M + 4 penalty points
40. Driving a vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration that does not exceed 50mg / 100ml blood or 0.25mg/ litre of breath.2-3M + 4 penalty points
41. Entering prohibited areas or roads with signs prohibiting entry for the type of vehicle being driven, except for violations specified in items 44 and 45 and priority vehicles on emergency missions as prescribed.2-3M + 4 penalty points
42. Failure to slow down (or stop) and yield when driving from a non priority road to a priority road, or from a branch road to a main road.2-3M + 2 penalty points
43. Failure to reduce speed and give way to vehicles approaching from the right at an intersection without roundabout signals; failure to reduce speed and give way to vehicles approaching from the left at an intersection with roundabout signals.4-6M + 2 penalty points
44. Driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street, driving in the wrong direction on a street with a ‘no entry’ sign, except for violations specified in point b of this clause and cases of priority vehicles on emergency missions as prescribed ; driving on the sidewalk, except for driving across the sidewalk to enter a house or office.4-6M + 6 penalty points
45. Driving a vehicle onto the highway, except for vehicles used for highway management and maintenance.4-6M + 4 penalty points
46. Failure to comply with traffic light signals.4-6M + 4 penalty points
47. Failure to comply with the lawful orders or instructions of traffic controllers or traffic inspectors.4-6M + 4 penalty points
48. Not yielding or obstructing priority vehicles that are signalling priority while on duty.6-8M + 4 penalty points
49. Driving a vehicle over the speed limit by more than 20km/h6-8M + 10 penalty points
50. Driving a vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration that exceeds 50-80mg / 100ml blood or 0.25-0.4mg/ litre of breath.8-10M + Lose license for 10-12 months
51. Causes the vehicle to swerve or zigzag on the road: uses the kickstand or other object to scrape the road while driving.8-10M + Lose license for 10-12 months
52. The act of driving in a group of two or more vehicles exceeding the speed limit.8-10M + 6 penalty points
53. Causing a traffic accident and not stopping the vehicle immediately, not preserving the scene, not assisting the victim, not staying at the scene or not immediately reporting to the nearest police station of People’s Committee.8-10M + lose license for 22-24 months
54. Driving a vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration that exceeds 80mg / 100ml blood or 0.4mg/ litre of breath.8-10M + lose license for 22-24 months
55. Failure to comply with the request for alcohol testing by an officer on duty.8-10M + lose license for 22-24 months
56. Driving a vehicle on the road while under the influence of drugs or other stimulants prohibited by law.8-10M + lose license for 22-24 months
57. Failure to comply with the request for a narcotics or other stimulants prohibited by law test.8-10M + lose license for 10-12 months
58. Controlling the vehicle from the back seat with a passenger in front except when the passenger is under 6 years old.8-10M + lose license for 10-12 months
59. Driving in groups that obstruct traffic, except in cases where permission is granted by a competent authority.8-10M + lose license for 10-12 months
60. Using horns and revving engines continuously in densely populated areas, medical examination and treatment facilities, except for priority vehicles on duty as prescribed.10-14M + 10 penalty points
61. Driving without observing, slowing down or stopping to ensure safety according to regulations, causing a traffic accident; driving at speed exceeding the prescribed speed limit, causing a traffic accident, entering the highway, stopping, parking, turning, reversing, overtaking, changing direction or lanes in violation of regulations, causing a traffic accident; not driving in the correct lane, not keeping a safe distance between two vehicles as prescribed, causing a traffic accident, or entering a road with a sign prohibiting entry for the type of vehicle being driven, driving in the wrong direction on a one-way road, or driving in the wrong direction on a road with a sign ‘no entry’ causing a traffic accident.10-14M + 10 penalty points
62. Violating the regulations in Nos. 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, 22, 26, 27, 28, 30, 36, 42, 43, 46, 47, 48, 51, 52, 58, 60 and causing a traffic accident.10-14M + 10 penalty points
63. Driving with no hands, using feet to steer, sitting on one side to drive, laying on the seat, changing driver while driving, sitting in the opposite direction of travel, driving with a blindfold.Confiscate the vehicle + lose license for 22-24 months
64. Travelling on one wheel of a two-wheeled vehicle, or two wheels of a three-wheeled vehicle.Confiscate the vehicle + lose license for 22-24 months
65. Repeated offense of driving in a zigzag manner as prescribed in No 51.Confiscate the vehicle + lose license for 22-24 months

Knowledge is Power

With this knowledge, you will be more aware of what is prohibited and use this information to help you throughout your time in Vietnam. You can avoid fines by acting accordingly and also steer clear of others who are not acting in the correct way.

You will be seen as a responsible traveller and more likely to have positive experiences whilst you are in Vietnam.

Drive safely

BMW 1250 GS

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)

Honda XR 150 motorcycle rental

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)

Honda CB 500X motorcycle rental

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)

Honda CRF 300 motorcycle rental

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

256 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

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)