Check out Traffic rules in Vietnam you should know before riding

Traveling to Vietnam by motorbike is an exciting and attractive experience for foreign visitors. However, traffic rules in Vietnam are highly strict and complicated. You’ll have a lot of struggles if you don’t know the traffic regulations. In this article, let’s discover all the information you should know before taking a motorbike tours of Vietnam!

About Vietnam’s unique transportation situation

When traveling to Vietnam, there will be many unique aspects of Vietnamese culture that impress foreign visitors. One of the things that can be mentioned is the traffic situation in Vietnam. When you come to any big city in Vietnam like Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City, or when you join motorbike tours to our big cities like Hanoi Motorbike Tours, Hoi An Motorbike Tours, Hue Motorbike Tours, you’ll be shocked by the crowded, dynamic traffic landscape that includes a variety of kinds of transportation and noisy car whistles. 

Traffic in Vietnam often faces shutdowns at rush hours. However, this is considered a characteristic of Vietnam, which can hardly be seen in other countries of the world. This distinctive feature is not only a part of traffic but also a part of the daily life of Vietnamese people. If you are a foreign traveler, besides visiting landmarks or eating Vietnamese dishes, taking part in transportation here is an equally exciting experience.

Why is it critical to understand traffic rules in Vietnam?

It can be said that traffic laws in Vietnam are complicated, sometimes a native can still be violated. You need to get a good understanding of Vietnam’s traffic laws before you get into traffic to have a safe trip and avoid getting into trouble with the police. Compliance with traffic laws in Vietnam when driving a motorcycle is a must for tourists because:

• Keep yourself safe: Having enough knowledge of traffic laws will help you minimize the risk of an accident.
• Respect for culture: Respecting traffic rules in Vietnam is also a way of showing your respect for where you travel. It will make your travel experience more positive when you are a responsible traveler.
• Able to cope with emergencies: When traveling, it is impossible to avoid emergencies. A good understanding of traffic rules will make it easier for you to solve emergencies.

Things you should take note of before riding a motorbike in Vietnam

So how can it be easier to travel by motorcycle in Vietnam? Here are some tips for you to ride in Vietnam like a real Vietnamese!

Bring your driver’s license and passport

There are Traffic rules in Vietnam where the traffic police can check your documents at any time. Always carry your valid license and passport when traveling in Vietnam. Sometimes, the traffic police will unexpectedly ask you to stop to check papers regardless of whether you are a tourist or a native or in some cases when you accidentally violate traffic laws in Vietnam. 

The traffic police will ask you to present the relevant documents according to the procedures, such as a driver’s license or a passport. If you don’t bring these papers, you’re going to have a lot of complicated issues, and the police may ask you to come to the station to resolve them.

Remember to wear helmets while riding

When driving in traffic, you must wear a helmet! The helmet is not only for Vietnam traffic law compliance but also for the safety of your head, preventing accidental damage in traffic accidents. When you hire a car, the landlord will supply you with a helmet.

Drivers who do not wear a helmet while driving are liable for administrative fines under road traffic legislation. The penalties vary between Rs. 200,000 and Rs. 300,000.

Don’t ride too fast, keep an eye on the speed

Speed is a remarkable thing when it comes to traffic. On each section of the road, there will be a different speed regulation written on the traffic signs, According to traffic rules in Vietnam in 2023, the maximum speed of motorbikes and cars will vary depending on the region, specifically as follows: 

Maximum speed of motorbikes in densely populated areas:

• Double track; One-way roads with two or more motor vehicle lanes: 60 km/h.
• Two-way roads; One-way road with one motor vehicle lane: 50 km/h.

The maximum speed of motorbikes outside of densely populated areas:

• Double track; One-way roads with two or more motor vehicle lanes: 70 km/h.
• Two-way roads; One-way road with one motor vehicle lane: 60 km/h.

Maximum speed of cars in densely populated areas (except highways):

• Double track; One-way roads with two or more car vehicle lanes: 60 km/h.
• Two-way roads; One-way road with one car vehicle lane: 50 km/h.

Maximum speed of cars outside densely populated areas (except highways):

• Double track; One-way roads with two or more car vehicle lanes: 90 km/h.
• Two-way roads; One-way road with one car vehicle lane: 80 km/h.

In Vietnam, traffic police always have cameras and speed guns on every side of the road. Driving at the right speed will help you protect yourself and others, and ensure public transport is in order. If the system at the checkpoints detects you’re running too fast, you’ll get a pretty heavy penalty for this. Remember to keep your speed when you’re in traffic!

Only two people per motorbike

According to Traffic rules in Vietnam, the maximum number of persons allowed on a motorcycle is two. In some unusual cases (transporting sick people to hospitals, punishing offenders, children under the age of 14), the motorbike may carry up to two extra persons.

A motorbike can only transport two passengers, including the driver. Compliance will assist in guaranteeing traffic safety and public order for public transportation.

Keeping a safe distance while driving is crucial

Keep a safe distance when you’re in traffic! Depending on the speed, there will be safe distances. Keep a safe distance to avoid crashing into each other when you accidentally get a car ahead of you. This is one of the heavily penalized violations, in addition to a penalty, you can also be deprived of your driver’s license. According to Traffic rules in Vietnam, there will be minimum safe passenger spaces between two vehicles as follows:

• Vehicles traveling at a speed of 60 km/h: The minimum safe distance between two vehicles is 35m.
• Vehicles traveling at a speed of 60-80 km/h: The minimum safe distance is 55m.
• Vehicles traveling at a speed of 80-100 km/h: The minimum safe distance is 70m.
• Vehicles traveling at a speed of 100-120 km/h: The minimum safe distance is 100m.

Don’t use smartphone or other audio devices when driving

Using electronic devices in traffic is prohibited in Vietnam. Using phones or other devices distracts traffic control, preventing you from concentrating on driving. This has many serious consequences, such as traffic accidents. Being unfocused in traffic not only affects you, it affects others. 

According to Section C, Clause 3, Article 30 of the Road Vietnam Traffic Law 2008, drivers of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and mopeds are not allowed to use audio devices, except hearing aids, when participating in traffic. Thus, using headphones while driving a vehicle is considered a violation. In addition to the fine, drivers who use headphones will also be subject to an additional penalty of having their driver’s license revoked from 1 month to 3 months.

There’s one thing you might not know, thieves are always on the streets and they’re gonna take your phone anytime. So, in case you need to use your phone urgently, stop the car on the edge to make sure you’re safe! 

Pay close attention to traffic signals

When driving in Vietnam, there will be a lot of traffic signals. These lights direct traffic and help to prevent traffic congestion. Being alert and observing these signs allows you to keep traffic flowing smoothly and avoid accidents. Exceeding the red light or similar violations will be subject to severe administrative penalties.

Based on Vietnam Traffic rules, if the traffic light is red, you must stop, if the traffic light is green, you have the right to run. And the yellow light will flash for a few seconds before the red light, when you see the yellow light, you have to slow down to prepare to stop when the red light comes.

Some drivers in Vietnam consider the yellow light as a signal to run quickly because the red light is coming, but this is extremely wrong. That can get you detained and fined by the traffic police or can cause tragic accidents.

Never drive after drinking an alcoholic

Using alcohol and illicit substances before driving is strictly illegal in Vietnam. This has serious repercussions not only for you but also for others. The alcohol limit is below 50mg/100ml of blood.
According to Traffic rules in Vietnam, the fine level for having a blood alcohol concentration when participating in traffic is very high, the fine can range from 2 million VND to 40 million VND.

The accidents induced by this behavior are quite dangerous. So, if you are discovered driving while sober, you will be penalized heavily; there is no exception for this offense.

Parking motorbike by the regulations

Parking your motorcycle by the regulations is quite important, it contributes to ensuring that traffic is conducted conveniently. According to Traffic rules in Vietnam, don’t park close to the sidewalks, or pavement, this will be obstructive and dangerous for traffic.

Be aware of scammers and rip-offs

The Vietnamese are very friendly and hospitable. But besides, scammers always show up everywhere on the streets. Keep your personal belongings, such as mobile phones, wallets, bags, helmets, etc., carefully when traveling in Vietnam. 

Scammers often look at objects like tourists to steal. Being robbed while driving can also cause unintended traffic accidents. Traffic cops are always there to help you, but you still have to be careful to protect yourself!

Motorcycle travel is one of the most exciting experiences when visiting Vietnam. In the above article, Motorbike Tour Expert has helped you learn more about traffic rules in Vietnam you need to know when engaging in traffic in Vietnam. If you need experience exploring the beauty of Vietnam by motorbike, contact Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert for advice!