One week after implementing Decree 168/2024/ND-CP: Traffic awareness improved significantly
After one week of implementing Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, which regulates administrative sanctions for violations of traffic order and safety, authorities have observed that people are now complying with the traffic regulations.
Increase fines, raise awareness
On the morning of January 7, at the intersection of Tran Quang Dieu and My Phuoc - Tan Van in Thuan An City, as well as at various points along National Highway 13 and Huynh Van Luy Street in Thu Dau Mot City, traffic participants diligently obeyed the traffic lights, even in the absence of traffic police.
Lieutenant Colonel Vu Hai Hau, Captain of the Traffic Police Team of Thuan An City Police, said that in early 2025, the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024 was applied, along with Decree 168 of the Government taking effect, the penalty level increased for many violations, and the compliance of traffic participants also changed positively. At the intersection of Tran Quang Dieu and My Phuoc - Tan Van, vehicle users previously had a tendency to run red lights, resulting in chaotic traffic conditions. However, after implementing traffic violation fines in accordance with Decree 168 for seven days, traffic participants are now voluntarily complying with traffic laws. During this period, the City Police Traffic Police Department patrolled and monitored a total of 3,272 vehicles, recorded 399 violations, and deducted points from 36 driver's licenses.
According to statistics from Provincial Traffic Police Department, from January 1 to 7, the Traffic Police force in the whole province conducted 411 patrols with nearly 2,600 officers and soldiers participating; thereby, more than 3,900 violation records were issued, with a total fine of more than 11.5 billion VND; nearly 700 driving licenses were temporarily detained, and points were deducted from 215 driving licenses. |
Meanwhile, Major Phan Minh Thao, Deputy Chief of the Tan Uyen City Police, reported that after one week of implementing Decree 168, local residents have complied with traffic light regulations by stopping in the correct lanes and lines, thus creating order even in the absence of traffic police. Additionally, the Traffic Police, along with relevant forces and the police from local communes and wards, have conducted mobile patrols and controls in the area. They have also reminded and directly educated the public about the importance of following these regulations.
From January 1 to January 7, the Traffic Police of the City Police Department conducted 84 patrols with 840 officers involved. They checked over 6,700 vehicles and recorded more than 700 violations. Additionally, they temporarily suspended documents on the VNeID for 34 cases, deducted points from 5 driver's licenses, and addressed traffic safety violations based on images submitted by the public.
Strengthen traffic culture
Lieutenant Colonel Tran Minh Tuan, the Deputy Head of the Traffic Police Department of the Provincial Police, highlighted that last week, drivers expressed concern over the significant increase in fines compared to previous regulations. They were particularly worried about how the deduction of points from their driving licenses would impact their income and job stability. The aim of raising fines is to reduce traffic accidents, foster a culture of compliance with traffic regulations, and ensure fairness for all road users. This increase in penalties is intended to serve as a deterrent for violators.
According to Article 58 of the 2024 Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, a driver's license consists of 12 points that are used to monitor the driver's compliance with traffic laws. Points are deducted for violations based on the nature and severity of the offense. These deductions will be updated in the database system immediately after the penalty decision takes effect, and the driver will be notified of any point deductions.
If all points are deducted from a driver's license, the license holder is prohibited from driving any vehicle until the points are restored. After at least six months from the date when all points were deducted, the driver may take a knowledge test on road traffic laws organized by the traffic police. If the driver meets the required standards, all 12 points will be reinstated. If a driver's license has not had all points deducted and there have been no deductions within 12 months from the date of the most recent deduction, then all 12 points will be restored automatically.
In addition, the fines are very high for some acts of intentional violation of traffic laws, such as fines of 18-20 million VND for cars running red lights and fines of 4-6 million VND for motorbikes. Those who zigzag or weave in and out of traffic on motorbikes will be fined from 8-10 million VND and may have their vehicles confiscated if the violation is serious. Notably, the act of opening the car door or leaving the car door open unsafely, causing a traffic accident, is subject to a fine of up to 20-22 million VND, an increase of 36-50 times; the act of using fake license plates also increases the fine from 20-26 million VND.
According to Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Director of the Center for Traffic and Transport Research, Vietnam-Germany University, The Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024 aims to regulate the behavior of traffic participants to enhance compliance and respect for traffic laws. Decree 168, which outlines administrative sanctions for violations of traffic order and safety, represents a strong and decisive effort by the Government to implement new regulations. These measures are designed to protect the lives and property of all traffic participants while promoting sustainable development in society.
Reported by Quynh Anh - Translated by Ngoc Huynh
