Fines for opening car doors causing accidents soar 50-fold to $860

The new regulation, outlined in Decree 168, governs administrative penalties in road traffic violations. Effective Jan. 1, the decree also introduces a points-based penalty system and provisions for the restoration of driver's license points.

Under the decree, opening or leaving a car door open unsafely carries a fine of VND4-6 million. If the act results in a traffic accident, the penalty rises sharply to VND20-22 million. This is a significant jump from the VND400,000-600,000 fines stipulated in the now-expired Decree 100, which did not differentiate between unsafe door-opening and accidents caused by it.

Recent incidents highlight the dangers of unsafe car door handling.

In October 2024, a 48-year-old woman in Vung Tau City died after falling into traffic when a car door was opened suddenly, causing her to be struck by an oncoming vehicle. A month earlier, a pregnant 34-year-old woman in Nghe An Province lost her life under similar circumstances. Both victims were riding motorbikes when the accidents occurred.

Expanded fines for traffic violations

Decree 168 imposes fines of VND20-22 million for other traffic violations that cause accidents, including exceeding speed limits, improper stopping, parking, turning, reversing, or lane changes, failing to maintain safe distances, driving without adequate lighting at night or in poor weather, using mobile phones or electronic devices while driving, severe penalties for drunk driving and reckless behavior.

Drunk driving penalties have also been increased. Car drivers with blood alcohol levels over 80 mg/100 ml or breath alcohol levels exceeding 0.4 mg/liter, as well as those refusing breathalyzer tests, now face fines of VND30-40 million, up from the previous VND16-18 million.

The same fine will be imposed on car drivers going in the wrong direction or reversing on expressways will be fined VND30-40 million (up from VND16-18 million), and those making U-turns on expressways (up from VND10-12 million).

Reckless driving, including weaving, speeding to chase other vehicles, or steering with one’s feet, will result in fines of VND40-50 million, up from VND10-12 million. If these actions lead to accidents, fines increase to VND50-70 million. Repeat offenders risk vehicle confiscation.

Car drivers committing severe violations may face license suspensions of 10-12 or 22-24 months and deductions of 2-10 points from their licenses. Drivers who lose all 12 points must retake their driving test to regain their license.

Administrative fines for motorcyclists have also doubled. The minimum penalty for violations that do not cause accidents now ranges from VND200,000 to VND400,000, compared to the previous VND100,000-200,000.