Vietnam Drivers Running Red Lights Face Heftier Fines – Over RM3,500!

Running the red lights in Vietnam will now see offenders slapped with hefty new fines amounting a little over RM3,500!

As the new year beckon, Vietnam is also set to apply and enforce stricter fines for traffic violations committed by motorists. Chief amongst which are drivers who run red lights at traffic light intersections.

Local Vietnamese news outlets online are reporting that starting from Jan 1, 2025, fines for car drivers who don’t stop at red lights will now face a sharply increased fine amount of VND 20 million – approximately RM3,507.23.

Previously, the fine for said offence already stood at a relatively pricey VND 6 million – approx. RM1,051.44. The sharp increase is part of the country’s new Decree No. 168/2024/ND-CP issued by its Prime Minster that regulates administrative sanctions for road traffic violations.

Said new fine amount the offence of running red lights in Vietnam has perhaps made it the most expensive - or at least one of the priciest - in the ASEAN region. 

In contrast, Malaysian motorists who disobey traffic light signals can be fined a minimum of RM300 and a maximum of RM2,000, or face six months' jail. This is detailed via the Road Traffic Rules 1959 act.

Neighbouring Singapore, on the other hand, levies fine amounts between SG$400- and SG500 (RM1,312.61 and RM1,640.77) towards violators of the same offence. Adding to which are 12 demerit points too, which can lead to violators see their licences suspended or revoked.

Vietnam’s Traffic Police Department reportedly noted that accidents and congestion, particularly in major cities, have become increasingly severe, posing significant risks to public safety. As a result, restoring traffic order has become an urgent priority, hence the increased fines too.

Besides red light runners, drivers caught speeding in Vietnam also face heftier new fines too. In fact, offenders breaching the speed limit by more than 20 KM/H will cost them nearly RM1,400!

Besides running red lights, the decree also prompted sharp increases in fine amounts for other traffic offences.

Equally hefty too is the fine for speeding. In fact, offenders exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 KM/H now face a higher new VND 8 million (approx. RM1,399.53) fine – it was previously VND 5 million (approx. RM876.14).

Clearly, the Vietnamese government are seeking to improve the traffic situation and perhaps change the mindset of its motorists for the better. Sharply increased fines could stand as an effective deterrent and dissuade motorists from committing said offences.

Could what's being done in Vietnam prove effective if applied and practiced here in Malaysia?

What do you folks reckon? Has Vietnam set the bar amongst its ASEAN peers with the heftiest fines for traffic violations such as red light running and speeding? Could a similarly harsh punishment be effective to curb the increased trend of red-light-runners in Malaysia too?

As usual, share your take in the comments below, as well as our social media pages…