Vietnam's traffic violations drop 13% since new decree takes effect

By Gia Chinh February 6, 2025 | 02:05 am PT

Vehicles stop before a red light on Hanoi's Truong Chinh Street, January 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Over 327,300 traffic violations were recorded in Vietnam last month, down nearly 13% from the previous month, after the new Decree 168 with heavier fines took effect.

The Traffic Police Department said on Thursday that over 1,800 cars and 93,700 motorbikes were seized in the first month of new regulations that increased fines for traffic offenses.

More than 27,800 driving licenses were revoked, according to traffic police statistics.

Compared to December, violations dropped by 48,100 cases, or 12.8%, while red-light violations fell by 36.7% to 5,100.

"People have become more compliant with traffic signals, and fewer vehicles encroach on the wrong lanes, reducing congestion," the department said.

In January, traffic accidents decreased by over 26% compared to the same period in 2024, and by 18.3% compared to the previous month.

Starting in 2025, Vietnam introduced stricter fines for numerous violations, including running red lights and driving on sidewalks.

Fines for motorbike violations increased from up to VND1 million (US$39.57) to up to VND6 million, and from up to VND6 million to up to VND20 million for cars.