What’s the Reward?
In an effort to improve safety on the roads, Vietnam is offering rewards of up to five million dong (around $200) to people who report traffic violators. This reward is up to 10% of the fine given to the driver, but it can’t go over five million dong.
The government has put this new system into place because traffic on Vietnam’s roads is often chaotic, and many drivers do not follow the rules. The country has struggled with road safety for years, and this is one way the government hopes to change that.
How Much Are the Fines?
The fines for breaking traffic laws have been increased dramatically this year, making them much higher than before. For example:
- Running a red light with a motorbike now costs more than six million dong.
- For car drivers, the fine is now close to 20 million dong.
- The fine for using a mobile phone while driving has also doubled.
These fines are much higher than the old ones, and many drivers are shocked by the prices. The average person in Vietnam earns about 7.7 million dong per month, so these fines are difficult for most people to pay.
What Happens if You Report a Driver?
If someone sees a driver breaking the rules, they can report them to the police. If the report leads to a fine being issued, the person who reported the violation can receive a reward of up to five million dong.
The identity of the person who reports the driver will be kept secret to protect their privacy. This rule is designed to encourage more people to report offenders without fear of retaliation.
How Are Drivers Reacting?
Many drivers in Vietnam are nervous about the new fines and the possibility of being reported by other people. Nguyen Quoc Phong, a Grab bike driver in Hanoi, said he used to run red lights regularly, but now he is strictly following the rules because of the higher fines.
One police officer shared that they had seen some drivers crying when they were handed a fine because the amounts were so high.
Why Is Vietnam Doing This?
Vietnam has 77 million motorbikes and 6.3 million cars on the roads. That’s a lot of vehicles, and traffic accidents are a serious problem. In 2024, nearly 30 people died every day in road accidents.
The traffic in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is also very slow because many drivers ignore traffic lights and road signs. By offering rewards for reporting violators, the government hopes people will be more careful and follow the rules, making the roads safer for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Vietnam offers rewards to people who report traffic violators.
- The fines for breaking traffic rules have increased to make people follow the rules more strictly.
- Rewards of up to five million dong will be given to people who report violators.
- The government hopes this plan will make roads safer and help reduce traffic accidents.
What’s Next?
It will take time to see if this new system works. But with higher fines and rewards for reporting violators, Vietnam hopes its roads will become safer and less chaotic for everyone. Drivers, be careful, and remember—someone might be watching!
