Brian Jeffrey
An official from the Hanoi Traffic Police has clarified that there are no fines for drivers who pause to put on a raincoat, as long as they follow traffic regulations.
On February 9, the police responded to online rumors suggesting that stopping to wear a raincoat could result in fines of up to 14 million VND ($550).
The spokesperson explained that while halting for this purpose is permitted, fines are applicable if a vehicle is stopped in a manner that hinders traffic or creates hazards.
As per the Road Traffic Safety Law, it is essential for drivers to ensure safety when stopping or parking, avoid blocking traffic, alert other drivers, and adhere to designated stopping areas.
Prohibited stopping or parking zones include the left side of one-way streets, bridges, tunnels, intersections, pedestrian crossings, bus stops, and places that obscure traffic signs or signals.
“Stopping in any of these restricted areas, even to wear a raincoat, may lead to fines as specified in Decree 168/2024, which outlines penalties for incorrect stopping and parking,” the police representative emphasized.
Fines for motorbikes can range from 400,000 to 600,000 VND ($16-$24) for obstructive stopping at bus stops, intersections, or pedestrian crossings.
Stopping or parking on bridges incurs fines ranging from 600,000 to 800,000 VND ($24-$32), while violations in tunnels can lead to fines from 800,000 to 1 million VND ($32-$40).
The most severe penalties, ranging from 10 to 14 million VND ($400-$550), are reserved for cases where improper stopping or parking leads directly to a traffic accident.
In conclusion, there is no penalty for stopping to wear a raincoat if drivers obey traffic laws.
The Hanoi Traffic Police encourages all road users to familiarize themselves with traffic regulations to ensure their own safety and that of others, and not to be misled by partial or erroneous information.
