Drivers voice concerns over steep fines for traffic violations

Ride-hailing motorbike driver Le Ngoc Son, 67, fears he may have to quit his job due to new traffic regulations introduced on New Year’s Day that impose fines of up to VND6 million ($235.71) for running red lights.

The decree, aimed at reducing traffic violations, introduces significantly higher penalties for offenses such as ignoring traffic signals and driving against the flow of traffic.

At the bustling Nguyen Trai-Khuat Duy Tien-Nguyen Xien intersection in Hanoi on Wednesday, traffic was heavy despite the holiday, with five traffic police officers stationed in the area to ensure compliance.

Son, who was stopped for running a red light, acknowledged his mistake but broke down upon learning of the heightened fines.

"If the fine is this high, I may have to abandon my vehicle," Son said, explaining that his demanding schedule had left him unaware of the new rules. "I only managed to deliver five orders today. After deducting fuel costs, I earned about VND63,000. If I’m fined this much, I may not be able to continue this job."

Another motorcyclist, a woman who stopped past the designated traffic line, was also pulled over. She explained that during peak hours, officers had sometimes instructed her to park slightly ahead of the crossing while waiting for the light to change. However, the officer clarified that unless directed otherwise, drivers must strictly follow traffic signals.

Nguyen Quang Nhat, head of the traffic police department’s division for propaganda and accident investigation, emphasized the necessity of stricter fines to deter violations.

"Most intersections are now equipped with surveillance cameras. If people believe they have been wrongly fined, they can file a complaint," Nhat said.

Traffic accidents remain a serious concern in Vietnam. The country reported over 21,500 traffic accidents in 2024, resulting in more than 9,950 fatalities and 16,000 injuries, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.