Police in Vietnam: 4 Useful Tips for the Stop (2026 Update)

Updated 03/01/26

There are many stories about the police in Vietnam—some true, some exaggerated. The image of the “scary foreign police stop” is a common fear for travelers, but the reality is often much less dramatic.

In 2026, enforcement is stricter than in the past, but the Golden Rule remains the same: If you ride legally, you have nothing to fear.

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.

Watch the Reality of a Traffic Stop

What to Expect: The Reality

First, let’s dispel a myth: The Vietnamese Traffic Police (Cảnh sát giao thông) are generally not aggressive. Unlike in some Western countries where a stop can feel tense, here it is usually administrative.

However, the “laid back” days are disappearing. With the rollout of Decree 100 and 123, police have strict quotas and are cracking down on two specific things: Alcohol and Licenses.

Here are the 4 main reasons you will interact with police, and exactly how to handle them.

1. The Traffic Stop (Violations)

It is often difficult for foreigners to know what the rules actually are, especially when locals seem to ignore them daily. But remember: You are a guest, and you are a target.

Common Reasons for a Stop:

Speeding: Limits are 40-50km/h in cities and 60-70km/h on highways.

Missing Helmet: Non-negotiable. Both rider and passenger must wear one.

Wrong Lane: Riding in the car lane is a classic tourist trap.

Zero Alcohol: Vietnam has a 0.0% tolerance policy. One beer means a fine of up to 8,000,000 VND and immediate bike impoundment.

The Protocol:

1. Pull over safely: Remove your keys immediately and put them in your pocket (to prevent an officer grabbing them).

2. Stay Calm & Smile: Aggression or shouting will never work. It will only result in your bike being impounded.

3. The “Coffee Money” Question: We cannot officially advise on bribery. However, it is an open secret that minor infractions are often settled on the spot to avoid the administrative hassle of a station visit. If you are asked to pay a fine that seems astronomical (e.g., 5 million VND for a wrong turn), politely negotiate.

4. Call Us: If you are riding a Rentabike Vietnam motorcycle and feel out of your depth, call us immediately. We can speak to the officer in Vietnamese to clarify the violation and ensure you aren’t being overcharged.

Know the Costs: Don’t get scammed on fines. Check our Comprehensive List of Traffic Fines in Vietnam (2026) so you know the real price of a ticket.

2. Parking Issues

In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, the pavement is public property, but parking on it is regulated.

The Risk: If you park illegally on a sidewalk during a “cleanup operation,” the police will load your bike onto a flatbed truck and take it to the station.

The Fix: Always use designated parking lots with a guard (Gửi Xe). You will pay a small fee (5k–10k VND), but your bike is safe.

If Your Bike Disappears: Do not panic; it probably wasn’t stolen. It was likely towed. Call us immediately with your location, and we will track which precinct is holding it.

3. Lost Parking Ticket

When you park in a guarded lot, you receive a ticket or a number written on your seat. Do not lose this.

If you lose the ticket, the guard cannot let you leave because they don’t know if you are the owner or a thief. This often requires police intervention to verify ownership.

Prevention: Take a photo of your parking ticket as soon as you get it.

Solution: You will need to show your Blue Card (Registration) and ID. If you are renting from us, we can send a digital copy of the Blue Card to your phone to satisfy the guards.

4. The "Impound" Scenario

This is the worst-case scenario. If you are caught without a valid license, or with alcohol in your system, the police legally must impound the vehicle for 7 days.

Why this is a disaster: You are stranded. You are liable for the daily impound fees. And worst of all, you are liable for the rental costs while the bike sits in a police warehouse.

Read the full guide: If you are worried about this, read our specific Impound Survival Guide to understand the risks.

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FAQ

Do police in Vietnam speak English?

Generally, no. In major tourist hubs (Da Nang, District 1 HCMC), some officers may speak basic English, but in rural areas, you will rely on Google Translate or hand signals. This is why having a local support number (like Rentabike’s) is critical.

Can I film the police?

Legally, yes, you are allowed to film public officials in Vietnam as long as you are not “obstructing their duty.” However, shoving a camera in a policeman’s face is a surefire way to escalate a situation from a warning to a fine. We recommend keeping the camera away unless you feel you are being genuinely extorted.

What documents do I need to carry?

You must always carry: 1) Your Original Driving License + IDP (or VN License), 2) The Blue Card (Registration) copy, and 3) The Yellow Paper (Civil Insurance). Using photos on your phone is usually not accepted; you need the physical documents.

How much is a typical "Coffee Money" payment?

There is no official price list for this. For minor errors (indicator, lane error), 200k-500k VND is common. For major errors (speeding, red light), it can be 1 million+. Note: For Alcohol or No License, bribery rarely works in 2026 due to stricter enforcement.

What happens if I refuse to pay the fine?

The police will impound your driving license or your motorcycle. They will give you a violation record (Biên bản) and you must report to the central treasury station 1-2 weeks later to pay the official fine and retrieve your property. For a tourist on a tight schedule, this is effectively impossible.

Most definitely, ride safe.

Whether you are living here or traveling, a motorbike gives you the freedom to explore Vietnam on your own terms. However, owning a bike isn’t just about the wind in your hair—it’s about responsibility. Ensure you have a valid license and, crucially, valid health insurance that covers motorcycling.