The Impound Survival Guide: What if They Take My Bike?

Updated 04/01/26

It is the scenario every rider fears. You are at a checkpoint, the officer shakes his head, and a flatbed truck backs up. Your bike is being impounded.

In 2026, the Vietnamese traffic police (CSGT) are strictly enforcing the 7-Day Administrative Impound for serious violations. If this happens to you, your trip is effectively paused.

Here is exactly what happens, how much it costs, and why you are still liable for the rental contract while the bike is in “police jail.”

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.

Why Do Bikes Get Impounded?

Police do not take bikes for minor speeding or parking errors. They take them for “Zero Tolerance” violations.
There are two main reasons a foreigner will lose their bike:

1. No Valid License: If you cannot produce a valid 1968 IDP + Home License (or a Vietnamese License), you are riding illegally. The penalty is a fine plus immediate confiscation of the vehicle to prevent you from continuing.

Alcohol (Zero Tolerance): Vietnam has a strict 0.0% alcohol limit. If you blow anything above 0.00, the bike is impounded for 7 days. No exceptions.

Note: As a foreigner, you are hard to deal with. Therefore, the police are keen to let you go with a warning at best, or a ‘fine’ at worst. They don’t want to keep the bike, but they will if you are RUDE or LOSE YOUR COOL. So, chill :)

The 7-Day Rule

If your bike is taken, it is not just for an hour. It is for 7 working days.

This is an administrative hold required by law (Decree 100/123). The police cannot release the bike earlier, even if you pay the fine immediately. The bike goes to a government warehouse, and you are left on the side of the road.

Note: If this happends over Tet or a Holiday, you face extra days on top of this because the bike must be held for 7 WORKING Days.

The Costs: It adds up fast

Many riders think, “Oh, I’ll just pay the fine.” They forget about the hidden costs.

If you get impounded on a rental bike, you face a “Triple Hit” of expenses:

1. The Police Fine

No License: ~1,000,000 – 2,000,000 VND (under 175cc) or 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 VND (over 175cc).

Alcohol: 2,000,000 VND to 8,000,000 VND (depending on concentration).

2. The Impound Fees

Towing Fee: You must pay for the truck that took your bike.

Storage Fee: You are charged a daily rate for the warehouse storage.

3. The Rental Contract (The Big One)

This is critical: When you sign a rental contract with any reputable company (including Rentabike Vietnam), you are responsible for the bike until it is returned to us.

While the bike is in police impound, it is still “rented” by you.

You must pay the daily rental rate for every day it sits in the impound lot.
If the bike is held for 7 days, you owe us 7 days of rental fees, even though you aren’t riding it.

Example: You rent a Honda XR150 ($20/day). You get impounded for alcohol.

Police Fine: $100
Towing/Storage: $20
7 Days Lost Rental: $140
Total Cost of one beer: ~$260 USD

AND someone still has to go and pick up the bike!!

What To Do If You Are Impounded

If the worst happens, follow these steps to minimize the damage.

1. Do NOT Argue: It is too late. Arguing will only increase the fine.

2. Get the Paperwork: The officer will give you a “Violation Record” (Biên bản). This is the receipt for the bike. Do not lose this. Without it, we cannot get the bike back.

3. Call Us Immediately: We need to know where the bike is. We will help you translate the document and track which police station is holding the vehicle.

4. Alter Your Travel Plans: You are now without transport. You will need to take a bus or taxi to your next destination.

The Solution: Be Legal or Go Guided

We don’t want your money for an impounded bike—we want you to have a great trip.

Check Your License: Before you fly, verify you have the Correct Paperwork
.

Don’t Drink & Ride: Grab a GrabBike or taxi if you’ve had a beer.

Consider a Guide: If you don’t have a license, do not risk it. Join one of our Guided Tours where you can ride pillion or in a support jeep, worry-free.

FAQ

Can I pay the police cash on the spot to avoid impound?

If the truck has been called, no. Once the violation is logged in their book, the administrative process must be followed. Attempting to bribe an officer at this stage can lead to criminal bribery charges.

What happens if I lose the "Pink Slip" (Ticket)?

It becomes a bureaucratic nightmare. The owner (us) has to prove ownership and file a “Lost Ticket” report. This delays the release by days. Guard that paper with your life.

Is my helmet impounded too?

Usually, no. Take your helmet, your phone mount, and any luggage off the bike before they load it onto the truck. Things tend to “go missing” in impound lots.

Can I rent another bike while the first one is impounded?

This is very much on a case-by-case basis. Most reputable shops (including us) will not rent you a second bike if you lost the first one due to a major violation like alcohol or reckless driving. It is too high risk.