Huge new penalties justified, will help improve Vietnam traffic order

I might have crashed into him if I had not jammed the brakes.

The motorbike driver, like me, seemed cautious since it was the day Decree 168 took effect, increasing fines for traffic violations manifold.

I could sense his hesitation: He wanted to speed through but was afraid of the fines.

On the first day of the new decree, Jan. 1, traffic police across Vietnam hauled up 13,000 violators and collected fines of nearly VND28 billion (US$1.1 million).

The decree has raised penalties for 26 traffic offenses: to VND4-6 million (US$157-236) for minor infractions such as running red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road and to VND40-50 million (US$1,575-1,970) for severe ones like reckless driving and illegal racing.

Some say the fines are too high and might be difficult to collect since many simply cannot afford them.

I want to focus on "failure to obey traffic signals," which has caught the attention of motorbike and car drivers alike.

Fines for the violation are now VND4-6 million for motorbikes and scooters and VND18-20 million (US$710-790) for cars.

These are steep fines when compared to incomes in Vietnam.

According to the General Statistics Office, the average per capita income in 2023 was VND101.9 million ($4,010), or VND8.5 million ($335) per month. So a fine of VND4-6 million equals 59% of the average monthly income.

In Southeast Asia, these fines are second only to Singapore's, where red-light violations cost motorbike riders around US$300.

People stopping at a red light in Hanoi on Jan. 2, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Like all penalties, these too aim to maintain traffic order and respect for the law, prevent repeat offenses and encourage lawful behavior by inducing a fear of consequences.

But fines must consider several factors: the severity of a violation, economic conditions and people's financial wherewithal.

Just as important, however, is ensuring that fines act as a strong deterrent.

I think fines must be severe enough to act as a real deterrent. Only then can traffic order improve.

Public safety must take priority over concerns about people's ability to pay fines.

Fines usually depend on the nature of violations, their possible consequences and whether they resulted from negligence or were intentional.

Most red-light violations are intentional, and often have serious consequences.

Last year 122 people died and 301 others were injured due to intentional red-light violations, according to police data.

So the concern that VND4-6 million fines will be too big a burden for low-income individuals does not hold up.

Traffic in Vietnam, often marred by poor awareness and frequent accidents, requires tough regulatory measures, and so the high fines are necessary to foster better driving habits and improve road safety.

But I suggest that the government should be flexible with their enforcement, considering factors such as first-time and repeat violations.

As Vietnam improves its data collection, progressively severe penalties, with repeat violators for instance getting heavier fines, could be imposed.

In conclusion, while Decree 168 may feel harsh, its purpose is clear: to create safer, more orderly roads.

It is the tough but necessary remedy Vietnam needs for a better traffic culture.

*Truong The Nguyen is a lecturer at the Regional Political Academy IV, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics.