Vietnam ministry proposes sixfold increase in fines for running red lights

By Pham Du October 23, 2024 | 01:08 am PT

Traffic police officers seize a motorbike in HCMC. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Motorbike riders who run red lights could face fines of up to VND6 million ($236) under a new draft decree by the Ministry of Public Security, marking a sixfold increase from the current maximum fine.

The draft proposes penalties ranging from VND4-6 million for motorbike riders who fail to comply with traffic lights. Currently, the fine for such violations stands between VND800,000 and VND1 million.

Car drivers who run past traffic lights may also be fined between VND9-11 million, an increase from VND4-6 million, the ministry proposed.

According to the ministry's traffic police department, running red lights is a frequent offense, particularly in Hanoi and other localities.

The department noted that this behavior is most common during early mornings and late nights, on streets with no traffic police presence.

The draft decree also aims to impose heavier fines on individuals who allow unqualified drivers to operate their vehicles, raising penalties from the current range of VND600,000-800,000 to VND8-10 million.

In addition, the ministry proposes seizing motorbikes from riders performing hazardous stunts, such as riding without hands or using their legs to steer.

Motorbikes found to be improperly modified or lacking registration documents will also be subject to seizure, as will those using counterfeit certificates.