Brian Jeffrey
Public Feedback on Increased Traffic Violation Fines in Hanoi
The Hanoi People’s Committee is seeking input on a proposed resolution concerning traffic fines.
This new proposal has sparked debate as it suggests fines increased by 1.5 to 2 times compared to the existing penalties set by Decree 168/2024, with the most severe penalties reaching VND 120 million for certain offenses.
Truck driver Tran Van Manh shared his view, stating he has been very cautious on the road since the introduction of Decree 168. He believes the current fines are adequate and that the proposed increases may pressure drivers undue.
“While it’s essential to enforce fines to enhance traffic law awareness, a significant increase would burden drivers like myself,” Manh commented. He urged for fairness in the enforcement process to prevent corruption and suggested that improving traffic infrastructure and increasing the number of automatic surveillance systems should be prioritized over simply raising fines.
In contrast, Nguyen Van Thanh, a former leader in the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association, supports Hanoi’s intention to elevate fines for traffic violations. He cites the 2024 Law on Capital City and the challenging traffic conditions as valid reasons for this shift.
“In the month following Decree 168’s implementation, there has been a marked increase in public awareness regarding traffic rules, but some still blatantly disregard them. An increase in penalties is justified,” Thanh asserted.
Nonetheless, he expressed reservations regarding the broad application of increased fines, suggesting it should only apply to severe violations like significant overloading, speeding, and drunk driving. He recommended focusing on a limited set of violations rather than a wide array of 107 infractions.
According to the draft resolution, five specific traffic violations could incur the maximum fine of VND 120 million, particularly those detrimental to infrastructure.
One such violation involves the excessive use of vehicles that surpass weight limits by 20-50 percent. Many believe that such fines are excessively high relative to average incomes.
Thanh, however, argues that these penalties are justified and should be treated as serious offenses. He compared the situation to Thailand, where similar actions are classified as intentional harm to public assets and faced severe legal consequences. He emphasized the financial burden of road repairs due to such damages, which can reach billions of dong.
Despite the high number of vehicles, overloading remains a significant issue. “Overloading indicates a lack of sufficient vehicles, yet it persists even with an abundance on the roads,” he noted, highlighting the associated risks of traffic accidents due to compromised braking and other mechanical issues.
Khuong Kim Tao, a former deputy chief of the National Traffic Safety Committee, stated that traffic violations reveal deeper issues related to public awareness and social dynamics.
“While raising fines can support compliance, it should just be one part of a broader strategy aimed at fostering responsible and civilized traffic behavior through sustainable education,” Tao concluded.
