Hanoi proposal to double traffic violation fines

The proposal was made at a meeting to review the city’s performance after two years applying a governmental pilot scheme launched in 2010 over penalty rates for road traffic violations.

In their report, Hanoi authorities suggested that many fine rates should be doubled to discourage traffic violators, one of which is that for running the red light.

Under the pilot scheme, a motorbike rider who runs the red light on the city’s outskirts is fined VND100,000-200,000. If the violation occurs in the city’s inner districts, a fine of VND300,000-500,000 (US$24), along with suspension of the driver’s license for 30 days, will be applied.

These rates were two low and should be increased, the report said.

The authorities proposed doubling the rates of fine for traffic violators in inner districts and raising the maximum fine rate of VND4 million ($192) for acts of resistance against law enforcement officers.

In addition to monetary penalties, violators should also have their vehicles impounded for up to 10 days for one of the following violations: not complying with requests of traffic police officers on duty, running vehicles in the wrong way on one-way streets, and carrying more people than legally allowed, the authorities proposed.