Foreign driver racked up multiple offences on the Phan Thiet‑Vinh Hao highway, leading to nearly VND 90 million in fines and a 7‑day vehicle seizure. Learn how to stay compliant.
Vietnam’s Traffic Police announced a staggering VND 88.5 million (about US$ 3,800) in combined fines after a foreign driver and the vehicle owner committed a series of offences on the Phan Thiết‑Vĩnh Hảo highway.
What went wrong?
The driver was caught speeding 10‑20 km/h over the limit, using an expired licence (over one year), operating a car without a registration certificate, and without a valid technical safety and environmental inspection certificate. Each violation carried both a monetary penalty and a deduction of two points from the driver’s licence.
Breakdown of the penalties
- Speeding 10‑20 km/h: VND 5 million fine + 2 licence points.
- Driving with a licence expired more than a year: VND 19 million fine.
- Operating a vehicle without registration: VND 2.5 million fine + 2 licence points.
- Missing safety‑inspection certificate: VND 5 million fine + 2 licence points.
The vehicle itself was seized for seven days while the paperwork was verified.
Owner’s responsibility and additional fines
The car owner faced even heavier charges for allowing an unqualified person to drive:
- VND 29 million for providing the vehicle to a driver who did not meet legal requirements.
- VND 17 million for letting an unregistered car on the road.
- VND 11 million for using a vehicle without a valid safety‑inspection certificate.
Total cost and consequences
All penalties summed up to VND 88.5 million, and the car remained under police custody for a week.
Police advice
The Traffic Police Department urges all road users to double‑check that both driver and vehicle paperwork are up‑to‑date before hitting a highway. This includes a current driver’s licence, a valid registration certificate, and a recent safety‑inspection report. They also warn that any violation can be caught by patrols, checkpoints, or the extensive camera network monitoring Vietnam’s highways.
Vehicle owners should never hand over their cars to someone who lacks the proper credentials. Verifying the driver’s licence status and legal eligibility is essential to avoid severe penalties.
Stay informed, keep your documents in order, and drive safely.