By Tran Minh Anh - MKE Research Assistant

13 June 2025

As the country approaches the beginning of June 2025, the early results of Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP are becoming clear on Vietnam's crowded public streets: traffic habits have shifted, violations have fallen, but more effort is needed to address the new challenges that are beginning to surface. This decree seeks to mitigate serious traffic offenses, including drunk driving, speeding, and running red lights, by imposing higher fines for each violation. Recognized as one of the nation’s most rigorous road safety initiatives, it aims to transform long-standing risky behaviors.

Immediate Impact: Five Months of Change

The high fines introduced by the new decree sent a clear message in its early days. On New Year's Day alone, more than 13,000 traffic offenders were fined nearly 28 billion VND (~$1 million USD). For car drivers, running a red light can result in fines up to 20 million VND (~$770 USD), while penalties for drunk driving may reach 40 million VND (~$1,540 USD). Meanwhile, motorcycle riders face fines of up to 8 million VND (~$308 USD) for running red lights. As a result, many individuals are now more mentally aware and are carefully reviewing traffic laws to prevent violations. 

Behavior on the streets changed quickly. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, police reported a sharp drop in key offenses. Compared to 2024, overall traffic violations declined by approximately 13% in the first month, with drunk driving violations dropping by about 13%. Red-light running, once rampant, fell by over 36%.

During the 2025 Tet holiday, typically one of the deadliest periods on the roads, the country recorded 445 traffic accidents, down from 702 the previous year. Traffic deaths decreased by more than 37%, and injuries dropped significantly. Enforcement was strict: thousands of vehicles were impounded, and licenses were revoked for major violations. This trend of improvement continued steadily through February and March 2025, according to Vietnam's national traffic police. However, the number of accidents and deaths slightly increases in the month of April. Reckless driving and noncompliance from a few driver groups might have contributed to the increase in accidents and fatalities.

Besides the statistics, the city streets are visibly different. More drivers now stop well before yellow lights, motorbike riders are more likely to wear helmets properly, and alcohol checkpoints are a common sight during nighttime hours. Traffic cameras are installed in numerous locations across both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and traffic police are increasingly present at various intersections and busy traffic areas.

Yet, the transformation hasn't been without side effects. With drivers more cautious and willing to yield, urban traffic has paradoxically slowed down, contributing to heavier congestion during peak hours. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have seen longer commute times, especially in densely populated districts.

Public Reactions: Cautious Acceptance and Frustration

Public sentiment about the new fines has been mixed. Many initially grumble about the steepness of the penalties, but acknowledge that the roads feel safer. For middle-income workers, a fine of 18–20 million VND is equivalent to one to two months of salary. Delivery drivers and taxi operators, whose livelihoods depend on mobility, report high levels of stress and financial anxiety.

Comparison of Traffic Fines Across Different Regions

Recent surveys by Vietnamese news outlets show that while 49% of respondents believe the fines have improved public awareness of traffic safety, another 69% think that better infrastructure and clearer traffic signals are equally important. Worries about being fined unfairly—due to broken traffic lights, unclear signage, or heavy enforcement in confusing intersections—have been common themes in public discussions.

Social media exploded in January and February with complaints, jokes, and memes surrounding the laws. However, as months passed and drivers adapted, the public narrative has shifted somewhat toward cautious acceptance, especially as accident and fatality rates have visibly dropped.

Is it really making it safer for everyone?

While Decree 168 has made a clear impact, Vietnam’s path to long-term traffic safety will require more than just high fines. New challenges are already emerging, and additional proactive measures must be implemented or enforced.

For drivers and motorists:

Overall, drivers' behavior has improved due to increased fines and stricter penalties. Statistics from the authority indicate that this decree has had a positive effect, as drivers feel more responsible and less likely to break the law. However, this does not apply to all driver groups, as a minority, mostly coming from younger age drivers and those who work in delivery or technology motorbike taxi, still exploit loopholes to avoid fines. It’s worth mentioning that the number of deaths and accidents has been slightly increased recently, and the reckless behaviors of this group of drivers might explain the rise in the trend of traffic violations.

Several studies have shown that traffic law compliance varies across different age groups and occupations in the country. For instance, young males, particularly those with extroverted personalities, are more likely to engage in risky road behaviors, such as speeding and ignoring traffic signals. Additionally, professional drivers— such as truck and taxi drivers, as well as delivery personnel—often commit frequent traffic violations. It is noteworthy that working-age adults, aged 27 to 55, are responsible for 56.7% of traffic accidents in the country.

Given these statistics, it is crucial to enhance education on traffic safety, particularly for the young population, which has been shown to commit a significant number of traffic violations. Countries like Japan, Singapore, and those in Europe have a long tradition of comprehensive education programs aimed at raising awareness of traffic safety among young people. However, Vietnam can still leverage existing initiatives promoting traffic safety within the country. Organizations like AIP Foundation have been working with governments on public campaigns, such as Safe School Zones, while private sector partners like Honda have been collaborating for over 20 years to promote traffic safety campaigns. 

For pedestrians:

As the roads are safer with fewer cases of running red lights or drunk driving on the street, pedestrians are safer when crossing the road. Still, a small percentage of traffic violators could cause a cautious reaction from some people. For various groups, such as the elderly and children, crossing busy roads, especially in places lacking traffic lights or where police presence is minimal, can be problematic, as some drivers may not yield. Foreigners, in particular, could still find navigating the streets in Vietnamese cities difficult because the traffic conditions differ significantly from what they are accustomed to. In fact, there have been guidelines for crossing the streets listed in travel guides for non-Vietnamese travelers, due to previous experience of encountering difficulty in crossing the streets in Vietnam.

To ensure the safety of pedestrians when crossing streets, we can rely on an increase in traffic patrols in busy areas and places where traffic loopholes may exist. Since the introduction of Decree 168, efforts to enhance traffic control in various regions have intensified. Nevertheless, pedestrians still need to take caution when crossing the road, making sure to look both ways, only crossing at designated crosswalks, and staying alert to their environment. It’s crucial to point out that pedestrians can also play a role in accidents, similar to drivers, especially since some cross in non-designated areas, which can result in accidents or traffic chaos. In fact, this Decree provides more detailed laws and guidance for pedestrians to address violations. For instance, pedestrians are required to cross streets only at designated crossings, giving signals when crossing the street, and children may be mandated to be accompanied by an adult when crossing the street. No matter if one is a driver or a pedestrian, both have a crucial responsibility to ensure safety on the road.

Long-term solutions

It’s worth noting that traffic congestion has worsened in some areas, partly because of slower, more compliant driving and the continued growth of private vehicle ownership, especially cars. With Vietnam's urban population booming and metro systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City still in early stages, public transport options remain too limited to meaningfully shift the commuting landscape. Experts argue that to sustain these gains, Vietnam must invest heavily in expanding public transportation, particularly metro lines and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) networks. Lessons from cities like Bangkok, Tokyo, and Seoul show that providing reliable, fast alternatives to private vehicles is key to reducing traffic chaos in the long run. As aforementioned, improvements to road infrastructure—better signage, upgraded intersections, and maintenance of traffic lights—are also critical to prevent unintended violations and maintain public trust in the system.

Another solution to consider is implementing a driver's points system. Specifically, traffic violations result in the accumulation of penalty points on a driver's record. Minor offenses might incur a few points, while more severe violations like DUI or reckless driving would lead to a larger accumulation. Once a driver reaches a certain threshold of points, they could face consequences such as temporary license suspension, mandatory driver retraining courses, or higher insurance premiums. This system serves multiple purposes: it offers a graduated scale of consequences, ensuring minor infractions receive lighter penalties while incentivizing compliance; it creates a clear record of driving behavior for identifying repeat offenders; and the threat of license suspension or penalties linked to point accumulation deters traffic violations. In fact, Decree 168 introduced a detailed points-based licensing system in Vietnam. Specifically, every driver begins the year with 12 points, and points will be deducted for any listed violations. For instance, failing to stop at a red light results in a 4-point deduction. If a driver loses all points, their license will be suspended, necessitating a new driving test following a ban period.

Final words

Almost five months after Vietnam's sweeping traffic fine increases, the results are undeniable: fewer crashes, safer intersections, and a shift in driver behavior. But fines alone won't carry the country forward. To truly tame its chaotic traffic and improve urban life, Vietnam must pair strong enforcement with smarter urban planning and expanded public transport. If it succeeds, the chaotic motorbike-dominated streets of today could give way to a safer, more sustainable future.