Drivers in Vietnam face fines of 20‑26 million VND ($850‑$1,100) for obscured license plates. Learn how to avoid penalties—stay compliant today!
Earlier this month a video went viral on social media showing a driver in Hanoi being stopped by traffic police and handed a 23‑million‑VND (about $950) fine because his rear licence plate was completely covered in mud. The incident highlights how Vietnam’s traffic authorities treat even seemingly accidental plate obstructions.
What happened on the road?
The driver admitted that four days earlier he had driven from Hanoi to the province of Thanh Hóa. Heavy rain and poorly maintained roads splashed mud onto the back of his car, completely hiding the registration plate. When he returned to Hanoi, he noticed the grime but delayed washing the vehicle due to a busy schedule.
On 27 January he reported to the Road Traffic Police Unit 9, where officers inspected the vehicle. Because the plate was unreadable, they issued a fine of 23 million VND, citing the relevant provisions of Vietnam’s traffic legislation.
The legal framework
According to Article 13, Clause 8 of Decree 168, a driver can be fined between 20 million and 26 million VND for any of the following infractions:
- Not displaying a licence plate, or mounting it in the wrong position.
- Using a plate with illegible characters, or covering it with paint, tape, or other material.
- Altering the shape, colour, size, or any other visual element of the plate, including adding stickers or bending it.
The 2024 Road Traffic Safety Law (Article 9, Clause 17) classifies “bending or covering the licence plate” as a prohibited act, regardless of intention. Both the decree and the new law make no distinction between accidental or intentional concealment, meaning the mere fact that a plate cannot be read is enough for a penalty.</n
In addition to the monetary fine, the offender receives a **6‑point deduction** on their driving licence. Motorcyclists face a lower fine (4‑6 million VND) but the same 6‑point penalty.
How authorities enforce the rule
Traffic police officers are empowered to issue on‑spot fines when they encounter an unreadable plate during routine checks. With the rollout of AI‑enabled surveillance cameras on highways and in urban areas, the likelihood of being caught has increased dramatically.
Practical tips for drivers
To avoid costly penalties, drivers should adopt a few simple habits:
- Inspect your vehicle after driving through rain or muddy roads.
- Rinse or wipe the rear plate promptly to remove dirt, mud, or stickers.
- Regularly check that the plate is securely fastened and fully visible.
- Before entering highways, toll roads, or city‑center zones, take a quick glance at the plate to confirm it’s legible.
These steps not only keep you compliant with the law but also contribute to safer, more orderly traffic flow.
Bottom line
Whether the blockage is accidental or deliberate, Vietnamese traffic law treats an obscured licence plate as a serious offence, carrying fines up to 26 million VND and a 6‑point licence deduction. Keep your plate clean, stay visible, and you’ll steer clear of hefty fines.