Fines for loud karaoke should be even higher than those for running red lights

In Ho Chi Minh City, honking at red lights has nearly disappeared as people no longer rush to jump the light, and sidewalks are no longer used as extra lanes for motorbikes and cars. These positive changes prove that the decree is working.

However, while the streets of HCMC were quieter during the Tet holiday, other problems surfaced—littering, unleashed pets dirtying public spaces, and blaring karaoke disrupting everyone's peace.

A karaoke amplifier in Thu Duc, HCMC. Photo by VnExpress/Ha An

Everyone deserves to enjoy Tet, myself included, but when personal entertainment, like karaoke, becomes a public nuisance, it should not be tolerated. Heavier fines are needed to stop this behavior.

Currently, the law permits karaoke and loud sound amplifiers to be used until 10 p.m., creating a loophole that allows many people to disturb the public. This outdated regulation fails to reflect modern urban life, where noise pollution is a serious problem.

Loud karaoke should be banned nationwide. Many people—students, recovering patients, babies, and the elderly—deserve a quiet and peaceful environment. Just as Decree 168 addresses reckless driving, stricter rules are needed to prevent excessive noise from affecting others.

Recently, I read an article on stopping loud karaoke in Vietnam. While I agreed with most of the author’s points, I believe fines for disturbingly loud karaoke should be even higher than those for running red lights.

Unlike individual traffic violations, loud karaoke is often caused by groups, making it more disruptive. Without strict penalties, noise complaints will keep escalating into frustration, conflicts, and even legal trouble.

Public awareness campaigns have failed. The only solution now is stricter law enforcement and much heavier fines.