Opening a car door without looking can cost up to VND20 million in Vietnam. Learn safety steps to prevent accidents and fines. Stay safe – read the full guide now!
When parking close to a sidewalk, many drivers open their car doors without checking the surrounding traffic. This simple habit can lead to serious accidents involving pedestrians and motorbikes passing by.
Vietnam’s Traffic Police Department recently released a video that captures a collision between a moving motorbike and a parked car whose driver opened the door without looking. In the footage, the driver steps out, swings the door open, and a motorbike that is already alongside the vehicle has no time to stop, resulting in a crash.
Legal consequences
According to Decree No. 168 on traffic violations, opening or closing a vehicle door unsafely can attract a fine of VND 4‑6 million. If the careless action leads to a collision or a traffic accident, the penalty jumps dramatically to between VND 20 million and VND 22 million.
How to avoid the fine and keep everyone safe
- Always glance over your shoulder before pulling the door.
- Use the far‑hand grip on the handle; this forces your body to turn and gives you a clear view of blind spots.
- Park as far from the curb as possible, especially on busy streets.
- Teach passengers, especially children, to wait until the driver checks traffic before exiting.
By taking these simple precautions, drivers can protect pedestrians, fellow motorists, and themselves from costly fines and, more importantly, from preventable injuries.