Learn how common license plate violations can cost drivers up to 30 million VND in fines and points. Stay compliant – check your plates today!
Whether intentional or accidental, mistakes with a vehicle’s registration plate can cost drivers in Vietnam tens of millions of đồng. Understanding the legal framework and the exact penalties helps motorists keep their plates clean, visible, and compliant.
Legal backdrop: Decree 168 and the 2024 Traffic Law
Vietnam’s Road Traffic Law, reinforced by Decree 168, enumerates every type of violation related to plate installation, alteration, or omission. Each offence carries a specified fine range and a mandatory deduction of six points from the driver’s licence.
How much can you be fined?
- Cars (Ô tô): 20‑26 million VND for obscured, altered, or improperly mounted plates; 10‑12 million VND for missing or partially displayed plates.
- Motorcycles (Xe máy): 4‑6 million VND for the same plate‑related offenses; up to 6 million VND for riding without a plate at all.
- Plate‑changing devices (e.g., number‑plate converters): 16‑18 million VND, which can rise to 32‑36 million VND if the vehicle’s owner is deemed responsible.
Typical offences that trigger the highest fines
According to Article 13 of Decree 168, the following actions are punishable by the 20‑26 million VND range for car drivers (and 4‑6 million VND for motorcyclists):
- Mounting the plate in the wrong position or using the wrong size.
- Covering any characters, numbers, or background colour.
- Painting, sticking, or otherwise modifying the plate’s original material.
- Distorting the plate (bending, cracking, or reshaping).
Even if the violation appears “accidental” – for example, a dusty plate that becomes hard to read – the law does not distinguish intent. Enforcement officers may still impose the full fine and deduct points.
Beyond the fine: points and criminal liability
Every plate‑related violation automatically results in a six‑point deduction on the driver’s licence. Repeated offences can lead to licence suspension. Moreover, if a tampered plate contributes to a traffic accident, the offender may face criminal prosecution, plate confiscation, and seizure of any illegal conversion device.
Practical steps to stay on the right side of the law
- Regularly inspect your plates. Check for dirt, mud, or stickers that could obscure characters.
- Keep the plates securely fastened. Ensure they are level, undamaged, and positioned exactly as stipulated by the law.
- Avoid aftermarket “plate converters”. Those devices are explicitly prohibited and carry the steepest fines.
- Clean the plates promptly. Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth – no abrasive chemicals that could damage the reflective coating.
- Replace damaged plates immediately. If a plate cracks or bends, visit the local Department of Transport for a replacement.
Bottom line
Vietnam’s traffic regulations treat any deviation from proper plate display as a serious offence, regardless of whether the driver meant to break the rule. By keeping your registration plates clean, visible, and unaltered, you can avoid fines that reach up to 30 million VND and protect your driving record.
Stay vigilant, stay compliant, and hit the road with confidence.