Driving without a license in Vietnam results in fines that vary by vehicle type under Decree 168/2024 effective January 1, 2025, with motorcycles under 125cc facing VND 2-4 million, motorcycles over 125cc facing VND 6-8 million, and cars facing VND 18-20 million, plus vehicle impoundment for 7 days and potential imprisonment up to 15 years if accidents occur; foreigners must carry both their home country license and a valid 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally, while vehicle owners lending to unlicensed drivers face VND 8-20 million fines and criminal liability if accidents result.
Understanding Vietnam’s strict traffic regulations is essential for foreign teachers, expats, and education professionals living and working in the country. Decree 168/2024, which took effect on January 1, 2025, significantly increased penalties for driving violations, with fines for operating vehicles without proper licensing rising by 50-80% compared to previous regulations. This comprehensive guide provides accurate, verified information on current fines, legal consequences, and practical steps to avoid violations.
What Are the Exact Fines for Driving Without a License in Vietnam Under Decree 168/2024?
Fines under Decree 168/2024 Article 18 vary by vehicle engine capacity: motorcycles under 125cc incur VND 2-4 million, motorcycles over 125cc face VND 6-8 million, and cars are penalized VND 18-20 million—representing an 80% increase from previous regulations for cars and 100% increase for small motorcycles.
According to Article 18 of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, Vietnam’s government has substantially increased administrative fines for license violations effective January 1, 2025:
| Vehicle Type | Engine Specification | Fine Range (VND) | Point Deduction | Additional Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Motorcycles | ≤125cc or ≤11kW electric | 2,000,000 – 4,000,000 | N/A (no license) | Vehicle impoundment 7 days |
| Large Motorcycles | >125cc or >11kW electric | 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 | N/A (no license) | Vehicle impoundment 7 days |
| Three-wheeled Motorcycles | Any capacity | 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 | N/A (no license) | Vehicle impoundment 7 days |
| Cars & Similar Vehicles | Any capacity | 18,000,000 – 20,000,000 | N/A (no license) | Vehicle impoundment 7 days |
These fines apply when drivers:
- Do not possess any valid driver’s license
- Use a license not issued by competent Vietnamese or recognized international authority
- Carry a falsified, tampered, or expired license (more than 3 months overdue)
- Hold a license with all 12 points deducted (equivalent to having no license under new point system)
Important Threshold Change: Decree 168/2024 shifted the engine capacity threshold from 175cc to 125cc, meaning more motorcycles now fall into the higher fine category. Most popular models like Honda Winner X (150cc), Yamaha Exciter (155cc), and similar bikes now face VND 6-8 million fines instead of the previous VND 4-5 million.
Just as foreign teachers must maintain valid work permits to teach legally in Vietnam, drivers must carry proper licenses to operate vehicles. Learn more about Working Without a Work Permit in Vietnam: Fines and How to Avoid Them to understand parallel legal requirements for expats.
How Much Is the Fine for Forgetting Your License Versus Not Having One?
Forgetting to carry your valid license costs only VND 200-300k (motorcycles) or VND 300-400k (cars) under Article 18 Clause 3 and Clause 8 of Decree 168/2024, which is 90-95% less than driving without ever obtaining a license (VND 2-20 million depending on vehicle).
The legal distinction between these violations is critical:
Scenario 1: No Valid License Exists
- You never obtained a Vietnamese license or recognized IDP
- Your license expired more than 3 months ago
- Your license was revoked or has 0 points remaining
- Fine: VND 2-20 million (depending on vehicle type)
- Penalty: 7-day vehicle impoundment at designated facility
- Cost of impound storage: Approximately VND 50,000-100,000 per day
- License points: Not applicable (no license to deduct from)
Scenario 2: Valid License, But Not Carried
- You possess a current Vietnamese or valid 1968 IDP
- You simply forgot it at home or hotel
- Fine: VND 200-300k (motorcycles) or VND 300-400k (cars)
- Penalty: Reduced if family member brings license to police station within 24 hours
- License points: 2 points deducted from your license
According to Article 18 of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, traffic police can verify your license status through Vietnam’s national traffic safety database. If you can prove license ownership during the stop by providing your ID number or passport number, officers may exercise discretion in reducing penalties.
Practical Tips:
- Always photograph your license and store it securely in your phone
- Keep a photocopy in your wallet or bag as backup
- If stopped, immediately inform the officer you have a valid license but forgot it
- Request verification through the national database using your ID/passport number
- Have someone deliver your physical license to the police station within 24 hours
What Penalties Apply If You Cause an Accident While Driving Without a License?
Causing an accident without a license triggers criminal prosecution under Vietnam’s Penal Code Article 260, with fines escalating to VND 30-100 million plus potential imprisonment 1-15 years depending on severity—even minor injury accidents result in criminal records and mandatory compensation that can exceed VND 500 million.
Vietnam’s legal system treats unlicensed driving accidents as criminal violations, not merely administrative infractions. According to the Penal Code and Decree 100/2019/ND-CP (still applicable for accident consequences):
Fatal Accident Penalties:
- 1 death: VND 30-100 million fine OR 1-5 years imprisonment
- 2 deaths: 3-10 years imprisonment (mandatory, no fine alternative)
- 3+ deaths: 7-15 years imprisonment (mandatory)
Serious Injury Penalties:
- 1 person with ≥61% permanent disability: VND 30-100 million OR 1-5 years imprisonment
- 2 people each with 31-60% disability: Same penalties
- 3+ people totaling 61-121% disability: Same penalties
- 3+ people totaling ≥201% disability: 7-15 years imprisonment
Property Damage Penalties:
- VND 100-500 million damage: VND 30-100 million fine OR 1-5 years imprisonment
- VND 500 million – 1.5 billion damage: 3-10 years imprisonment
- Over VND 1.5 billion damage: 7-15 years imprisonment
Aggravating Circumstances (increase sentences):
- Fleeing the accident scene: +2-5 years to base sentence
- Refusing to assist victims: +1-3 years to base sentence
- Under influence of alcohol (any level): Minimum 3 years imprisonment regardless of damage
Critical Financial Consequence: Insurance companies categorically deny coverage for accidents where the driver lacks a valid license. According to Vietnam’s Insurance Law, you become personally liable for:
- All victim medical expenses (intensive care: VND 5-50 million per day)
- Permanent disability compensation (≥61% disability: VND 50-200 million per victim)
- Death compensation (VND 100-300 million per victim for family support)
- Property damage repairs
- Legal fees and court costs
Total accident costs for an unlicensed driver can easily exceed VND 500 million – 1 billion (US$20,000-40,000), plus criminal imprisonment.
What Are the Requirements for Foreigners to Drive Legally in Vietnam?
Foreigners must possess both their home country license and a valid 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally in Vietnam, but only IDPs from countries that signed the 1968 Vienna Convention are recognized—meaning drivers from the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, and China cannot legally drive in Vietnam with IDPs and face the same VND 2-20 million fines as Vietnamese citizens.
Vietnam’s recognition of foreign driving documents is strictly limited under Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA of the Ministry of Public Security:
Countries with VALID 1968 IDPs in Vietnam:
- European Union member states (all 27 countries)
- United Kingdom
- South Korea
- Russia and former Soviet states (except Turkmenistan)
- South Africa
- Philippines (only ASEAN country with 1968 Convention)
- Switzerland, Norway (non-EU European)
- View complete list: UN Vienna Convention 1968 signatories
Countries with NON-RECOGNIZED IDPs (1949 Geneva Convention):
- United States of America
- Canada
- Japan
- Australia (signed 1968 but Vietnam has not yet implemented mutual recognition)
- China
- India
- Most Southeast Asian nations (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, Vietnam)
- Most Latin American countries
According to the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam’s official statement: “Foreign driver licenses, even when accompanied by an international driving permit, are not valid in Vietnam” for U.S. citizens because U.S. IDPs follow the 1949 Geneva Convention format, which Vietnam does not recognize.
Alternative Options for Non-Recognized Country Citizens:
Option 1: Convert Your Home License to Vietnamese License
- Requirements: Valid Temporary Residence Card (3+ months validity), passport, visa, notarized Vietnamese translation of home license, health certificate
- Processing time: 5-10 business days
- Location: Provincial Traffic Police Department or Department of Transportation
- Cost: VND 135,000 (license fee) + VND 200,000-500,000 (notarization/translation)
- Application: Can be done in person or online at dichvucong.gov.vn (Vietnamese language only)
Option 2: Take Vietnamese Driving Test
- Requirements: Temporary Residence Card, health certificate, passport photos
- Test components: Theory exam (40 questions, 32 correct required, Vietnamese language only) + practical driving test
- Training: Mandatory 12-hour training course for motorcycles, 22-hour for cars
- Cost: VND 2-4 million total (training + test fees + license)
- Timeline: 2-4 weeks from enrollment to license issuance
Option 3: Use Licensed Transport Only
- Grab/taxi services: VND 15,000-50,000 per trip within cities
- Monthly personal driver: VND 8-15 million for 8-hour daily service
- Company-provided transportation: Common benefit for foreign teachers
Important for Foreign Teachers: Many schools include transportation in employment packages. Verify this benefit before attempting to drive personally, as professional drivers eliminate all legal risks and often cost less than motorcycle ownership when factoring in fines, maintenance, and insurance.
Similar to visa requirements, driving regulations require proactive compliance before issues arise. Understand related requirements through Overstaying Visa in Vietnam: Fines and How to Avoid Them to maintain full legal status.
What Penalties Do Vehicle Owners Face for Lending to Unlicensed Drivers?
Vehicle owners who lend vehicles to drivers without valid licenses face VND 8-10 million fines (individuals) or VND 16-20 million (organizations) under Article 32 Clause 10 of Decree 168/2024, and if accidents occur, owners face VND 10-50 million fines or imprisonment 3-7 years under Penal Code Article 260—even if they weren’t driving.
Vietnam’s Civil Code Article 601 classifies vehicles as “sources of extreme danger,” placing legal responsibility on owners to ensure borrowers meet all qualifications. According to Nghị định 168/2024 và Bộ luật Hình sự:
Administrative Penalties for Vehicle Owners (No Accident):
- Individual vehicle owner: VND 8,000,000 – 10,000,000
- Company/organization owner: VND 16,000,000 – 20,000,000
- Applies when lending to:
- Drivers without any valid license
- Drivers under minimum age (under 16 for motorcycles, under 18 for cars)
- Drivers under influence of alcohol/drugs
- Drivers with suspended or revoked licenses
- Drivers with wrong license category (lending car to someone with only motorcycle license)
Criminal Penalties if Accident Occurs:
Minor to Moderate Accidents:
- 1 death or ≥61% disability to 1 person: Owner faces VND 10-50 million fine OR up to 3 years community sentence OR 3-12 months imprisonment
- 2 people with 31-60% disability each: Same penalties
Severe Accidents:
- 2 deaths: Owner faces 1-5 years imprisonment
- 3+ deaths: Owner faces 3-7 years imprisonment (mandatory, no fine alternative)
Legal Basis: According to LSX Law Firm’s analysis of Penal Code Article 260, owners must verify borrower qualifications before lending vehicles. Vietnamese courts have consistently ruled that “failure to check creates joint liability” for resulting accidents.
Practical Implications for Foreign Teachers:
When renting motorcycles in Vietnam:
- Rental shops typically don’t check licenses – This convenience creates risk for you, not them
- You remain 100% liable for all fines, accidents, and criminal consequences
- Rental contracts often include clauses making you responsible for retrieving impounded vehicles at your expense
- Deposits rarely cover vehicle impoundment fees (VND 350,000-700,000 total) plus fines
Safer Rental Practices:
- Choose reputable companies that require license documentation (VN Driver’s License, 1968 IDP)
- Verify insurance coverage – Though invalid without proper license, it shows professional operation
- Request written receipt with your license number recorded
- Avoid street-side rentals that don’t check any documentation
How Can You Legally Avoid Driving Without License Penalties in Vietnam?
Obtain proper licensing before driving by either: (1) converting your home license if you have a 3+ month residence permit (5-10 days, VND 300,000-600,000 total), (2) taking Vietnamese driving test (2-4 weeks, VND 2-4 million), or (3) for short-term visitors from recognized countries, obtaining a 1968 IDP from your home country automobile association before arrival—never drive without documentation regardless of rental shop policies.
For Short-Term Visitors (Tourist Visa holders):
Step 1: Verify IDP Eligibility Before Arrival
- Check if your home country signed the 1968 Vienna Convention
- Review list at UN Treaty Collection or contact your automobile association
- Important: If your country only signed the 1949 Convention (USA, Canada, Japan, Australia), you cannot legally drive in Vietnam
Step 2: Apply for 1968 IDP in Home Country
- Must be obtained before arrival – Cannot be issued in Vietnam
- Application locations:
- USA: AAA (American Automobile Association) – Not valid in Vietnam, but process shows how it works
- UK: Post Office or authorized motoring organizations
- EU countries: National automobile clubs (ADAC in Germany, RAC in UK, etc.)
- South Korea: Korea Transportation Safety Authority
- Required documents: Valid home license (minimum 1 year old), passport photos, application form
- Cost: US$20-50 equivalent depending on country
- Processing: Usually same-day to 2 weeks
Step 3: Always Carry Both Documents
- IDP alone is invalid – Must present both IDP and original home license
- Keep both in waterproof plastic sleeve
- Store photocopies separately in hotel safe
Step 4: Verify IDP Format
- Must state “1968 Convention” on cover page
- Should be booklet-style, not card format
- Contains translations in multiple languages
For Long-Term Residents (Work Permit/TRC Holders):
Option A: License Conversion Process
Step 1: Obtain Required Documents
- Passport with valid visa/residence stamp
- Temporary Residence Card (3+ months validity) – Mandatory requirement
- Original home country license (must be current)
- Notarized Vietnamese translation of license (obtain from authorized translation service)
- Health certificate from Vietnamese medical facility (valid 12 months)
- Passport photos: 4 copies, 4x6cm, white background, no glasses
- Application form (download from provincial traffic police website or obtain in person)
Step 2: Submit Application
- In-person option: Provincial Traffic Police Department or Department of Transportation
- Hanoi: 42A Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Ho Chi Minh City: 373 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3
- Online option: dichvucong.gov.vn (Vietnamese language only, requires VNeID app)
Step 3: Pay Fees
- License issuance: VND 135,000
- Translation/notarization: VND 200,000-500,000 (varies by province)
- Health certificate: VND 50,000-100,000
- Total cost: VND 385,000-735,000 (approximately US$15-30)
Step 4: Receive License
- Processing time: 5-10 business days for standard applications
- License valid period matches your visa/TRC validity (maximum 10 years)
- Converted license allows driving immediately after issuance
Option B: Vietnamese Driving Test
Step 1: Enroll in Authorized Driving School
- Mandatory training:
- Motorcycles (Class A1/A2): 12 hours theory + practice
- Cars (Class B1/B2): 22 hours theory + practice
- Cost: VND 1,500,000-3,000,000 including training and first test attempt
- Timeline: 2-4 weeks from enrollment to test
Step 2: Complete Theory Training
- 40-question multiple choice exam
- Pass requirement: 32/40 correct (80%)
- Language: Vietnamese only – Bring translator or use translation app
- Topics: Traffic signs, road rules, penalties, safe driving practices
- Unlimited retakes if failed (additional fee VND 50,000-100,000 per attempt)
Step 3: Complete Practical Driving Test
- Motorcycle test: Figure-8 course, stopping/starting on incline, obstacle navigation
- Car test: Parallel parking, three-point turn, street driving
- Pass requirement: Complete course without critical errors
- Test conducted at provincial testing facility
Step 4: Receive License
- Issued within 7 days after passing both tests
- Valid for 10 years (renewable)
- Starts with 12 points under new point system
What Happens If Police Stop You for Driving Without a License?
Police will record your violation in Vietnam’s national traffic database, issue a written administrative violation record, impose fines of VND 2-20 million (depending on vehicle), impound your vehicle for 7 days at a designated facility requiring you to pay storage fees of VND 50,000-100,000 per day, and confiscate your motorbike registration until you pay the fine at an authorized bank and present receipts to retrieve the vehicle—attempting to negotiate on-the-spot payments constitutes bribery and can result in additional criminal charges.
According to Decree 168/2024 enforcement procedures:
Step-by-Step Traffic Stop Process:
1. Initial Stop (0-5 minutes)
- Officer will request: License, vehicle registration, insurance certificate, ID/passport
- Remain calm and cooperative – Vietnamese police respond better to respectful behavior
- Do not attempt to flee or argue – This escalates to criminal charges
2. Violation Documentation (5-15 minutes)
- Officer creates written record (Biên bản vi phạm hành chính) with:
- Your identification details
- Vehicle information
- Specific violation committed
- Fine amount
- Officer badge number and signature
- You must sign acknowledging receipt (NOT admitting guilt)
- Officer provides copy for your records
3. Vehicle Impoundment (if applicable)
- Officer issues vehicle impoundment order (Quyết định tạm giữ phương tiện)
- Vehicle transported to designated impound facility (Bãi giữ xe)
- You receive:
- Impoundment receipt with facility address
- Timeline for payment and retrieval
- List of documents needed for release
4. Fine Payment (within 10 days)
- Must pay at authorized locations only:
- State Treasury branches (Kho bạc Nhà nước)
- Authorized commercial banks (Vietcombank, Agribank, BIDV)
- Online via bank apps (requires violation code from written record)
- Payment deadline: 10 days from violation date
- Late payment penalty: Additional 0.05% per day of unpaid fine amount
5. Vehicle Retrieval (after 7 days + fine payment)
- Cannot retrieve before 7-day impound period expires even if fine is paid immediately
- Required documents for release:
- Original violation record
- Fine payment receipt
- Vehicle registration document
- Personal ID/passport
- Impoundment receipt
- Storage fees: VND 50,000-100,000 per day (pay at impound facility)
- Total retrieval cost: Fine (VND 2-20 million) + Storage (VND 350,000-700,000) = VND 2.35-20.7 million total
6. Database Recording
- Violation recorded in national traffic safety database
- Linked to your passport number (foreigners) or citizen ID (Vietnamese)
- May affect future license applications, visa renewals, work permit processing
Special Situations:
If You Have Valid License But Forgot It:
- Request database verification using passport/ID number
- Ask officer to check national system (Hệ thống quản lý giấy phép lái xe quốc gia)
- If verified, fine reduces to VND 200,000-300,000 (motorcycles) or VND 300,000-400,000 (cars)
- Have family member bring physical license to police station within 24 hours
If Officer Requests “On-Spot Settlement”:
- Politely decline – This is bribery and illegal for both parties
- Request written violation record as required by law
- If pressured, note officer badge number and report to supervisor
- Vietnamese Traffic Police now use body cameras – Reducing bribery opportunities
If You Cannot Afford Fine Immediately:
- Vietnamese law allows payment plans for fines over VND 5 million
- Request installment arrangement at payment facility
- Warning: Vehicle remains impounded until full payment + storage fees paid
- Consider this cost when deciding whether to drive without license
What Are the License Point System Rules That Apply to Unlicensed Drivers?
The 12-point license system introduced January 1, 2025 under Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024 applies only to licensed drivers—unlicensed drivers have no points to deduct but face immediate license confiscation if they somehow obtained a license between the violation and being stopped, and violations are permanently recorded in the national database which can block future license applications for 6-12 months depending on severity.
Vietnam’s new driver license point system, implemented alongside Decree 168/2024, fundamentally changed traffic enforcement:
How the Points System Works:
- All Vietnamese licenses start with 12 points on January 1, 2025
- Violations deduct 2-12 points depending on severity
- Points reset to 12 if no violations for 12 consecutive months
- Reaching 0 points results in automatic 6-month license suspension
- Suspended drivers must pass knowledge re-examination to restore license
Common Point Deductions (for licensed drivers):
- Running red light causing accident: 10 points (plus VND 10-14 million fine)
- Drunk driving (any alcohol level): 10 points (plus VND 18-20 million for cars)
- Wrong-way highway driving: 10 points (plus VND 16-18 million)
- Speeding 35+ km/h over limit: 6-8 points (plus VND 12-14 million)
- Using phone while driving: 4 points (plus VND 600,000-800,000)
- Not wearing helmet: 2 points (plus VND 400,000-600,000)
For Unlicensed Drivers – Important Implications:
The point system creates additional long-term consequences because:
- Violation history persists – Even without a license, violations are recorded in the national traffic safety database under your passport/ID number
- Future license applications affected – Some provincial traffic police departments deny new license applications for 6-12 months after serious violations (including driving without license)
- Conversion applications rejected – Foreign license conversion requests may be denied if recent unlicensed driving violations appear in your record
- Work permit complications – Serious traffic violations can affect visa renewals and work permit applications, as employers verify legal compliance
According to Circular 65/2024/TT-BCA issued by the Ministry of Public Security, Vietnam’s centralized traffic safety database (Hệ thống cơ sở dữ liệu về trật tự, an toàn giao thông đường bộ) tracks:
- All traffic violations nationwide
- Fine payment status
- License point balances
- Vehicle registrations and insurance status
- Linked to national ID system for Vietnamese, passport numbers for foreigners
Practical Implication for Foreign Teachers:
Even if you avoid immediate consequences through informal settlement or by leaving Vietnam before resolving violations, database records can create problems:
- Re-entry visa applications may face additional scrutiny
- Long-term residence permit renewals require clean legal record certification
- Work permit renewals verify traffic violation status in some provinces
- License applications automatically check violation history
The safest approach: Maintain full legal compliance from day one. The administrative effort to obtain proper licensing (5-10 days, VND 300,000-600,000) is minimal compared to the long-term complications of violation records.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Without License in Vietnam
Can I Drive in Vietnam With Only My Home Country License?
No. A home country license alone is never valid in Vietnam under any circumstances. You must have either: (1) a 1968 International Driving Permit plus your home license if from a recognized country, or (2) a Vietnamese license obtained through conversion or testing. Driving with only a home license—even from ASEAN countries like Thailand or Singapore—results in VND 2-20 million fines plus vehicle impoundment.
There are no exceptions to this rule. Some sources incorrectly claim ASEAN licenses are recognized, but according to the Ministry of Public Security and U.S. Embassy guidance, Vietnamese traffic police consistently require either Vietnamese licenses or valid 1968 IDPs regardless of bilateral agreements.
What Exactly Happens If Police Stop Me Without a License?
Police will issue a written administrative violation record showing the VND 2-20 million fine (depending on vehicle type), transport your vehicle to an impound facility where it stays for 7 days minimum, require you to pay the fine within 10 days at a designated bank, and you cannot retrieve your vehicle until after the 7-day period expires and you present payment receipts plus storage fees of VND 50,000-100,000 per day—total out-of-pocket cost ranges VND 2.35-20.7 million (US$95-830) for a single violation.
Attempting to negotiate on-the-spot payments is illegal and constitutes bribery (hối lộ), which can result in additional criminal charges under Article 354 of Vietnam’s Penal Code. Vietnamese Traffic Police increasingly use body cameras, making informal settlements risky for both parties.
Are IAA International Licenses Valid in Vietnam?
Absolutely not. IAA (International Automobile Association) “international licenses” are completely invalid in Vietnam and not recognized by any Vietnamese authority. The IAA is a private American company, not a government agency or official automobile association authorized to issue International Driving Permits. Police treat IAA documents as fake licenses, resulting in full penalties of VND 2-20 million plus vehicle impoundment—the same as having no license at all.
Only 1968 International Driving Permits issued by government-authorized organizations in countries that signed the 1968 Vienna Convention are valid in Vietnam. Check UN Treaty database to verify your country’s status.
Will My Travel Insurance Cover Accidents If I Drive Without a License?
No. All travel insurance, vehicle insurance, and health insurance policies explicitly exclude coverage for accidents occurring while the driver lacks proper licensing under Vietnam law. You become 100% personally liable for all costs including: victim medical expenses (ICU care: VND 5-50 million per day), permanent disability compensation (VND 50-200 million+ per victim), death compensation (VND 100-300 million+ per family), property damage, and legal fees—total costs for serious accidents commonly exceed VND 500 million – 1 billion (US$20,000-40,000).
Insurance companies deny claims immediately upon determining the driver lacked a valid license at the time of accident. This applies whether you’re at fault or not—even if another vehicle hit you, your own medical expenses won’t be covered.
How Long Does Vietnamese License Conversion Take for Foreign Teachers?
License conversion requires 5-10 business days if you possess a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) with minimum 3 months validity, home country license, notarized Vietnamese translation, and health certificate from a Vietnamese medical facility. Total cost is VND 385,000-735,000 (US$15-30) including all fees, translation, and health examination. Application can be done at provincial Traffic Police Departments or online through dichvucong.gov.vn.
Critical requirement: You must have a TRC (Temporary Residence Card), which requires a work permit or long-term visa. Tourist visa holders cannot convert licenses and must take the full Vietnamese driving test instead.
Can I Drive a 50cc Scooter Without Any License in Vietnam?
No. This is a dangerous myth. All motorized vehicles in Vietnam require appropriate licensing regardless of engine size, including 50cc scooters, electric scooters with motors, and even electric bicycles over certain power thresholds. Operating any motorized vehicle without proper licensing results in fines of VND 2-4 million for small motorcycles under 125cc, plus 7-day vehicle impoundment. There is no engine size exemption in current Vietnamese traffic law.
Some outdated sources claim 50cc exemptions existed pre-2019, but the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024 and Decree 168/2024 contain no such provisions. Vietnamese traffic police enforce licensing requirements for all motorized vehicles universally.
What If I’m Leaving Vietnam Soon—Do I Still Need to Pay the Fine?
Yes. Unpaid fines create a permanent record in Vietnam’s national traffic database linked to your passport number, which can result in: (1) visa denial for future entries to Vietnam, (2) detention at airport immigration if the unpaid amount exceeds VND 10 million, (3) inability to complete any future government transactions (license applications, vehicle registration, work permits), and (4) late payment penalties accruing at 0.05% per day indefinitely until paid. Additionally, if your vehicle was impounded, the rental company may use your passport copy to pursue legal action and can report you to your embassy.
Vietnamese immigration authorities increasingly cross-reference traffic violation databases during visa processing. Unpaid fines over VND 10 million can result in entry denial even years later. Always resolve violations before departure.
Driving without a license in Vietnam exposes you to financial penalties ranging VND 2-20 million, potential imprisonment if accidents occur, complete loss of insurance protection, vehicle impoundment costs, and long-term complications with visa status and future license applications. The stakes are simply too high for foreign teachers and expats to risk.
For short-term visitors from non-recognized countries (USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, China), alternative transportation through Grab, traditional taxis, or organized tours with provided drivers offers legal, stress-free mobility at comparable or lower cost than dealing with fines and impoundment.
For long-term residents and teachers, investing 5-10 days and VND 300,000-600,000 to convert your home license (if you have TRC) or taking the Vietnamese driving test provides years of legal driving protection and peace of mind. Many international schools and language centers include transportation in employment packages—verify this benefit before attempting to drive personally.
Remember: One traffic stop without a license costs VND 2.35-20.7 million total (fine + impoundment + storage). A serious accident without a license can cost VND 500 million – 1 billion+ plus years of imprisonment. Legal compliance costs a fraction of these amounts.
Related Legal Requirements for Foreigners in Vietnam
Maintaining legal compliance extends beyond driving licenses. Foreign teachers and expats must also ensure they have valid:
- Work Permits: Operating without proper work authorization carries similar administrative and criminal penalties
- Visa Status: Overstaying can create long-term complications for future applications and legal transactions
Explore comprehensive guides in our UPDATES & LONG-TERM PLANNING category for complete information on all legal requirements for living and working in Vietnam: Visit Updates & Long-Term Planning
Stay informed, stay legal, and stay safe on Vietnam’s roads.
