Hanoi traffic violations drop 50% after stricter fines

The Hanoi Traffic Police Department reported a nearly 50% drop in traffic violations after 45 days of enforcing Government Decree 168/2024/ND-CP.

From January 1 to February 15, officers dealt with 24,080 violations, 70% fewer than in the preceding period. They also impounded 7,438 vehicles and suspended 1,050 driver's licenses.

Authorities noted a significant decrease in violations, with alcohol-related cases dropping to 5,800, down 65% from the previous period, demonstrating the effectiveness of Decree 168 in enforcing traffic laws.

Hanoi sees 50% drop in traffic violations after Decree 168 goes into effect. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

Between January 15 and February 15, Hanoi traffic police enforced 12,797 violations, impounded 4,111 vehicles, revoked 483 licenses, and deducted points from 1,530 drivers. They also posted significant reductions in common infractions such as red light running, lane encroachment, and illegal parking.

To maintain this progress, traffic police will intensify patrols and target major violations such as driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, overloading, wrong-way driving, illegal racing, and using cell phones while driving.

The government issued Decree 168 on December 26, 2024, and enforced it on January 1, 2025, introducing stricter penalties for high-risk violations. Car drivers now face fines of VND18-20 million (US$730-$810) for running red lights or driving against traffic, while motorcyclists face fines of VND4-6 million (US$160-$240).

Driving under the influence of alcohol in the range of 50mg-80mg/100ml blood or 0.25mg-0.4mg/liter breath will result in fines of VND18-20 million (US$730-$810) for car drivers and VND6-8 million (US$240-$320) for motorcyclists.

Reckless driving and illegal racing are now punishable by fines of VND40-50 million (US$1,620-$2,020) for car drivers and VND8-10 million (US$320-$400) for motorcyclists.

The authorities believe that the tougher penalties under Decree 168 will contribute to reducing traffic accidents in Hanoi.