In Vietnam, running a red light incurs hefty fines under Decree 168/2024/ND-CP (effective January 1, 2025): Cars face VND 18-20 million (approximately $707-$786 USD), while motorbikes face VND 4-6 million (approximately $157-$235 USD), with 4 license points deducted and temporary vehicle seizure for up to 7 days—significantly increasing penalties from previous years (cars: VND 4-6 million; motorbikes: VND 800,000-1 million) to boost road safety.
Fine Details (as of 2025):
- For Cars: VND 18-20 million ($707-$786 USD)
- For Motorbikes: VND 4-6 million ($157-$235 USD)
- License Points: 4 points deducted (10 points if causing accident)
- Vehicle Seizure: Up to 7 working days with storage fees
- Criminal Prosecution: Applies if accidents cause injury or death
Why the Increase?
These higher penalties were introduced by Decree 168/2024/ND-CP starting January 1, 2025, to significantly curb common and dangerous traffic violations, aiming to improve Vietnam’s road safety. According to the National Traffic Safety Committee, 21.691 road traffic accidents occurred from December 2023-November 2024, resulting in over 10.026 deaths and 16.103 injuries—red light violations were identified as a major contributing factor.
What Are the Exact Red Light Fine Amounts Under Decree 168/2024?
Cars face fines of VND 18-20 million ($707-$786 USD), while motorbikes face VND 4-6 million ($157-$235 USD) under Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, effective January 1, 2025—representing a 300-433% increase for cars and 400-650% increase for motorbikes compared to previous penalties.
Complete Fine Breakdown by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Category | 2025 Fine (Decree 168) | Previous Fine (Decree 100/123) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars (automobiles) | VND 18-20 million ($707-$786 USD) | VND 4-6 million ($157-$236 USD) | 300-433% |
| Motorbikes/Mopeds | VND 4-6 million ($157-$235 USD) | VND 800,000-1 million ($32-$40 USD) | 400-650% |
According to Article 6 and Article 7 of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP issued by the Prime Minister on December 27, 2024, these penalties apply to “failure to comply with traffic light signals” including running red lights, entering intersections after red light activation, and proceeding through red lights without authorization.
Real Enforcement Data (First Month)
According to the Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security, in the first week of Decree 168 implementation (January 1-7, 2025):
- 71,680 total traffic violations handled nationwide
- VND 187 billion collected and paid to State Treasury
- 35 red light violations in Hai Duong Province alone: 1 car fined VND 19 million, 34 motorbikes fined VND 5 million each
By February 2025 (after one month), red light violations decreased 36.7% nationwide—from approximately 8,000 cases to 5,100 cases—demonstrating measurable deterrent effect of the increased penalties.
How Many License Points Are Deducted for Running a Red Light?
Running a red light results in 4 license points deduction from your Vietnamese driver’s license under Decree 168/2024’s 12-point system—or 10 points if the violation causes a traffic accident. Drivers who lose all 12 points must retake traffic law and safety courses before license restoration.
Understanding Vietnam’s 12-Point License System
Introduced in April 2024 under the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024, the point-deduction system applies to all Vietnamese license holders:
Point Deduction Rules for Red Light Violations:
- Standard violation: 4 points deducted immediately upon administrative penalty decision
- Violation causing accident: 10 points deducted
- Multiple violations: If multiple violations occur simultaneously, only the highest point deduction applies (not cumulative)
Consequences of Losing All 12 Points:
- Mandatory re-education: Must complete traffic law and safety courses
- License suspension: Cannot drive until completing courses and passing examination
- Violation record: Permanently recorded in national traffic safety database
- 12-month reset: Points only restore after completing full year violation-free
Critical Note for Foreigners: According to Vietnam Law Magazine clarification, if you drive with only an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your home country license—without a Vietnamese driver’s license—the point deduction system does not apply. However, you still face the full monetary fines and vehicle seizure penalties.
What Additional Penalties Come with Red Light Violations?
Beyond monetary fines and point deductions, violators face temporary vehicle seizure for up to 7 working days with storage fees of VND 50,000-100,000 per day, and criminal prosecution under Penal Code Article 260 if accidents cause injury or death—with potential 1-15 years imprisonment.
Immediate Administrative Penalties
According to Article 48 of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP:
Vehicle Seizure:
- Duration: Up to 7 working days maximum
- Storage location: Official police impound facilities
- Storage fees: VND 50,000-100,000 per day (approximately $2-$4 USD)
- Total retrieval cost:
- Cars: Fine (VND 18-20 million) + Storage (VND 350,000-700,000) = VND 18.35-20.7 million total
- Motorbikes: Fine (VND 4-6 million) + Storage (VND 350,000-700,000) = VND 4.35-6.7 million total
Criminal Liability for Accidents
Running a red light that causes accidents triggers criminal prosecution under Vietnam’s Penal Code Article 260. According to legal databases and the Ministry of Public Security guidelines:
| Accident Severity | Criminal Penalty | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Minor injury (1-30% disability) | VND 30-50 million fine OR community sentence | Mandatory victim compensation |
| Serious injury (31-60% disability) | VND 50-80 million fine OR 3-7 years imprisonment | License suspension 22-24 months |
| Death or ≥61% disability | VND 80-100 million fine OR 7-15 years imprisonment | Permanent driving ban possible |
Payment Process: Fines must be paid within 10 days at authorized banks (Vietcombank, BIDV, Agribank). Unpaid fines result in vehicle registration suspension, preventing annual inspection renewal.
Understanding these regulations is essential for legal compliance, just as knowing what are the fines for drunk driving in Vietnam and how to avoid them helps foreign teachers maintain safe, lawful conduct while working abroad.
Are Vehicle Owners Liable If Someone Else Runs a Red Light?
Yes, vehicle owners who lend cars or motorbikes face VND 8-10 million fines (individuals) or VND 16-20 million (organizations) under Article 32 Clause 10 of Decree 168/2024 if borrowers run red lights—and criminal liability if accidents occur, as Vietnam’s Civil Code Article 601 classifies vehicles as “sources of extreme danger” placing legal responsibility on owners.
Owner Liability Structure
Administrative Penalties (No Accident)
| Owner Type | Fine Amount | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Individual owner | VND 8-10 million ($314-$393 USD) | Article 32 Decree 168/2024 |
| Company/Organization | VND 16-20 million ($629-$786 USD) | Article 32 Decree 168/2024 |
Criminal Liability (If Accident Occurs)
According to Vietnam’s Penal Code Article 260 and Civil Code Article 601:
- Minor injury: VND 10-50 million fine OR community sentence
- Serious injury: VND 30-80 million fine OR 3-5 years imprisonment
- Fatal accident: VND 50-100 million fine OR 5-7 years imprisonment
- Compensation: Owner jointly responsible for victim damages (can exceed VND 500 million)
Enforcement Mechanism
Vietnam’s national traffic safety database tracks violations by vehicle registration, not driver identity. When cameras capture red light violations:
- Owner receives notification within 10 days (Circular 73/2024)
- Owner must identify driver or assume liability
- Both parties face penalties if driver was unqualified
- Insurance claims denied if driver lacked proper authorization
This dual liability particularly affects foreign teachers who borrow colleagues’ motorbikes or rent vehicles without proper documentation.
How Did Red Light Fines Change from 2024 to 2025?
Red light fines increased 300-433% for cars (from VND 4-6 million to VND 18-20 million) and 400-650% for motorbikes (from VND 800,000-1 million to VND 4-6 million) when Decree 168/2024 replaced Decree 100/2019 (as amended by Decree 123/2021) on January 1, 2025.
Historical Fine Progression
| Effective Period | Cars | Motorbikes | Governing Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2024 | VND 4-6 million ($157-$236 USD) | VND 800,000-1 million ($32-$40 USD) | Decree 100/2019 (amended by Decree 123/2021) |
| 2025-Present | VND 18-20 million ($707-$786 USD) | VND 4-6 million ($157-$235 USD) | Decree 168/2024 |
Government Justification
According to the Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security and the National Traffic Safety Committee:
Accident Data: From December 15, 2023 to November 14, 2024:
- 21.691 road traffic accidents reported nationwide
- 10.026 deaths
- 16.103 injuries
- Red light violations identified as major contributing factor
Economic Context: According to Ministry of Labor statistics, average worker income was VND 8.4 million per month ($330 USD) in 2024—meaning:
- Old car fines: 0.5-0.7 months’ salary
- New car fines: 2.1-2.4 months’ salary
- Old motorbike fines: 0.1 months’ salary
- New motorbike fines: 0.5-0.7 months’ salary
These statistics demonstrate the government’s strategy of financial deterrence is producing measurable road safety improvements, though critics argue the fines are disproportionate to average incomes.
Similar to how riding without a helmet in Vietnam now carries VND 400,000-600,000 fines and additional penalties, the government’s comprehensive approach to traffic enforcement reflects its commitment to reducing Vietnam’s high accident rates through substantial financial consequences.
What Happens If Foreigners Run Red Lights in Vietnam?
Foreigners face identical penalties as Vietnamese citizens under Article 2 of Decree 168/2024—VND 18-20 million for cars, VND 4-6 million for motorbikes, with no exceptions for diplomatic status or tourism. The penalty applies whether you hold a Vietnamese license, International Driving Permit (IDP), or home country license.
Enforcement Process for Foreign Drivers
According to Vietnam Law Magazine and Traffic Police Department guidelines:
When Stopped by Traffic Police:
- Document verification: Officer checks driver’s license (Vietnamese license OR home country license + IDP), passport, vehicle registration, compulsory insurance certificate
- Violation recording: Administrative violation record created with passport number recorded in national database
- Penalty issuance:
- On-the-spot: Officer issues penalty decision immediately
- Camera-based: Vehicle owner receives notification within 10 days, must identify foreign driver
- Point deduction:
- With Vietnamese license: 4 points deducted automatically
- With IDP only: No point deduction (monetary fine still applies)
Payment Requirements
Payment Process:
- Receive written Administrative Penalty Decision (in Vietnamese)
- Pay at authorized bank (Vietcombank, BIDV, Agribank) within 10 days
- Present: Passport + Penalty Decision + Vehicle Registration
- Obtain payment receipt for vehicle retrieval (if seized)
Work Permit and Visa Implications
- Work Permit Impact: Serious traffic violations causing criminal prosecution (accidents with injury/death) can affect work permit renewals. The Ministry of Labor’s guidelines indicate criminal traffic convictions may result in work permit denial or revocation.
- Visa Status: Multiple administrative violations recorded in the national database can trigger closer scrutiny during visa extensions, particularly when combined with other violations.
- Embassy Limitations: Your embassy cannot intervene in traffic penalty enforcement. Diplomatic immunity does not extend to traffic violations unless specifically granted under bilateral agreements.
How Can I Avoid Running Red Lights in Vietnam?
To avoid violations, never enter intersections when traffic light countdown shows under 5 seconds remaining, maintain 3-4 second following distances for safe stopping, watch for yellow light transitions (typically 3-5 seconds before red), and observe that right turns on red are prohibited unless specifically signed “Đèn đỏ, được rẻ phải”.
Practical Prevention Strategies
Understanding Vietnamese Traffic Light System
Key Differences from Western Countries:
- Yellow duration: Typically 3-5 seconds before red (shorter than US/EU standards)
- Countdown timers: Many intersections display seconds remaining
- Right turn on red: Prohibited unless specific signage permits
- Camera enforcement: Widespread in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City
Safe Stopping Decision Formula
Rule: If countdown shows ≤5 seconds AND you’re >15 meters from intersection → STOP
Reasoning:
- At 40 km/h speed = 11 meters/second travel distance
- Average reaction time = 1.5 seconds
- Safe braking distance = 10-15 meters
- Total stopping distance needed = 25-30 meters minimum
Emergency Vehicle Exemption
According to the Law on Administrative Violations, you will NOT be penalized if you run a red light to give way to emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire truck, police) with active sirens/lights—provided you:
- Stop at intersection after clearing (do not leave scene)
- Report to traffic police within 24 hours with explanation
- Provide evidence if available: Dashcam footage showing emergency vehicle
The Traffic Police Department confirmed in January 2025 that zero penalties were issued for properly reported emergency-related red light crossings.
Camera-Based Enforcement
According to the Traffic Police Department, traffic cameras operate 24/7 using infrared technology for night vision. Cameras:
- Trigger recording when vehicle crosses stop line after red light activation
- Capture complete violation sequence (not just single frame)
- Sync with traffic light timing systems
- Record violations to national database
Video Evidence Requirement: According to Decree 168/2024 enforcement guidelines, traffic police must provide complete video footage showing entire violation process before issuing camera-based penalties—violators can request this evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Fines in Vietnam
Can I Pay Red Light Fines Online in Vietnam?
No, red light fines cannot currently be paid online as of January 2025. According to Decree 168/2024 enforcement procedures, payment must be made in person at authorized banks (Vietcombank, BIDV, Agribank) within 10 days of penalty issuance. You must present your administrative penalty decision, passport/ID, and vehicle registration. The Ministry of Public Security announced plans to pilot online payment systems through the VNeTraffic app starting Q2 2025 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but this has not yet been implemented.
What Happens If I Don’t Pay My Red Light Fine?
Unpaid fines trigger vehicle registration suspension, preventing annual inspection renewal, and potential travel restrictions for foreigners at immigration if accumulated fines are significant. According to Article 48 of Decree 168/2024, the fine amount does not accrue interest, but vehicle impoundment continues accumulating daily storage fees of VND 50,000-100,000. For foreigners, unpaid traffic fines are recorded in the national database and can result in complications during visa extension processes or departure from Vietnam, though routine small fines typically do not prevent exit.
Do Red Light Cameras Work at Night in Vietnam?
Yes, traffic cameras in Vietnam operate 24/7 with infrared night vision capabilities, according to the Traffic Police Department. Cameras use infrared LED technology capable of capturing license plates and violations in complete darkness. The camera systems installed at major intersections in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City automatically sync with traffic light timing and trigger recording when vehicles cross stop lines after red light activation, regardless of time of day or lighting conditions.
Can I Lose My Vietnamese Driver’s License for Multiple Red Light Violations?
Yes, multiple red light violations result in license suspension through point deduction. Each violation deducts 4 points from your 12-point license, meaning 3 violations within 12 months exhaust your point balance and trigger mandatory license suspension until completing traffic law re-education courses and passing examinations. If violations cause accidents, 10 points are deducted per incident, meaning 2 accident-causing violations within one year results in license loss. According to Article 50 of Decree 168/2024, points cannot be restored mid-year—drivers must complete a full 12-month violation-free period for automatic restoration.
Are There Legal Circumstances for Running Red Lights?
Yes, running red lights is legally permitted without penalty in three specific circumstances: (1) Emergency vehicle clearance—giving way to ambulances, fire trucks, or police vehicles with active sirens/lights, provided you stop at intersection and report within 24 hours; (2) Traffic police manual direction—when officers override signals during congestion or accidents; (3) Emergency situations—defined under Law on Administrative Violations as immediate danger threatening life/property with no alternative action, requiring documentation and police verification within 24 hours. According to Article 22 of the Road Traffic Law 2008, authorized emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire, police, military) may run red lights while on duty with proper signals displayed, but this authorization does not extend to civilian vehicles in personal emergencies.
What If I Enter the Intersection as the Light Turns Red?
If any part of your vehicle crosses the stop line after red light activation, you face the full penalty regardless of intent—there is no grace period. According to Traffic Police Department clarification from January 2025, the violation is determined by vehicle position relative to the stop line at the moment of red light activation. Traffic cameras capture violations and provide video evidence of the entire crossing sequence. The Hanoi Traffic Police confirmed that no tolerance period exists—even vehicles entering 0.5 seconds after red activation face full penalties of VND 18-20 million (cars) or VND 4-6 million (motorbikes), plus 4 license points deduction.
Running a red light in Vietnam carries severe consequences under Decree 168/2024—VND 18-20 million for cars, VND 4-6 million for motorbikes, 4 license points deduction, vehicle seizure, and potential criminal prosecution if accidents occur. For foreign teachers, expats, and education professionals working in Vietnam, understanding these regulations is essential for legal compliance, work permit status, and financial security.
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