HCMC traffic violation fines surge 35%, reaching $240K daily under new decree

Traffic police in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) have collected a staggering VND42.5 billion ($1.67 million) in fines during the first week of January, following the enforcement of stricter penalties for traffic violations.

According to Le Van Hai, deputy head of the city's traffic police department, this figure marks a 35% increase compared to the same period last year, with fines rising by VND11 billion due to the new decree that came into effect on January 1.

From January 1 to 7, HCMC traffic police recorded 11,830 violations and confiscated over 4,300 vehicles, including 11 cars and 4,220 motorbikes. In addition, around 2,100 driving licenses were revoked, and an average of VND6 billion ($236,400) in fines was issued daily.

Common violations included driving under the influence, speeding, traveling in the wrong lane, and ignoring traffic signals.

Under the new decree, penalties for traffic offenses have been significantly increased:

Car drivers now face fines of up to VND20 million for certain violations, nearly three times the previous maximum fine.
Motorbike riders can be fined up to VND6 million for running red lights and up to VND10 million for reckless driving.
In addition to HCMC, Hanoi also ramped up enforcement, collecting over VND14 billion ($550,000) in fines and addressing over 5,600 cases of traffic violations in the same period, reflecting a nationwide crackdown.

HCMC, with its population of more than 10 million residents, managed over 9.5 million vehicles as of late 2024, including over 1 million cars and 8.5 million motorbikes. The city’s stricter measures aim to improve road safety and curb the rising number of traffic infractions.