A driver on Vietnam’s Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet expressway faces a massive fine for a ‘combo’ of violations. Learn more about traffic laws in Vietnam!
Driving on a high-speed expressway requires strict adherence to safety regulations, but for one driver on the Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet expressway in Vietnam, a few oversights led to a staggering financial penalty. The Traffic Police Department recently revealed a case where a driver was hit with a total fine of 118.5 million VND (approximately $4,700 USD).
What started as a simple speeding violation quickly spiraled into a legal nightmare when authorities discovered a “combo” of serious infractions involving both the driver and the vehicle owner.
A Chain of Violations
The incident began when traffic cameras flagged a vehicle for exceeding the speed limit. However, upon pulling the vehicle over, officers discovered that the driver was operating the car without the necessary legal documentation.
The breakdown of the penalties reveals how quickly costs can mount when multiple laws are broken simultaneously:
- Unlicensed Driving: The driver was fined 19 million VND for operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license.
- Speeding: For exceeding the speed limit by 10-20 km/h, the driver received a 5 million VND fine and a deduction of 2 points from their driving record.
- Missing Registration: An additional 2.5 million VND fine was issued because the vehicle lacked a valid registration certificate.
The Owner’s Liability
In a significant twist, the heaviest penalties were not aimed at the driver, but at the vehicle owner—identified as HTX VC Xanh (HCM Branch). Under Vietnamese law, owners are held responsible for who they allow behind the wheel.
The most expensive mistakes for the owner included:
- Allowing an Unqualified Driver: The owner was fined 58 million VND for handing the vehicle over to a person who did not meet the legal requirements to drive.
- Operating an Unregistered Vehicle: A further 34 million VND fine was imposed for allowing a vehicle without proper registration to enter public traffic.
Strict Enforcement on Vietnam’s Expressways
Beyond the monetary fines, the vehicle was impounded for seven days. This case serves as a stark warning to all motorists using the region’s modern infrastructure.
According to the Traffic Police Department, the entire Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet route is now equipped with advanced surveillance systems and speed cameras. These tools are designed to ensure that drivers maintain safe speeds and distances, reducing the risk of high-speed accidents.
Key Takeaways for Drivers in Vietnam:
- Verify Documentation: Always ensure your driver’s license and vehicle registration are valid and on hand.
- Owner Responsibility: Never loan your vehicle to someone without verifying their license status.
- Mind the Speed: Be aware that automated camera systems are active across major expressways; sticking to the limit is the only way to avoid heavy fines.