Police in Vietnam do not specifically target foreigners, but they will stop you if you violate traffic rules. The most common reason Tigit customers get stopped is speeding. We recommend reviewing our detailed page on licenses and international drivers permits .

Common Traffic Fines in 2025

1. Riding on an expressway (CT ROAD): $300
2. Fleeing the scene of a traffic accident: $300–$400
3. Driving the wrong way: $150–$240
4. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 20km/h: $240–$300
5. Driving with 0.2 to 0.4 mg of alcohol: $240–$300
6. Driving with 0.4 mg of alcohol or more: $300
7. Failure to comply with traffic lights: $150–$240

Note: The image carousel for fines is not supported in this format. You can view it on the original page.

Understanding Vietnam’s Traffic Laws

In Vietnam, traffic laws are often treated as guidelines rather than strict rules. Understanding which rules are enforced and which are overlooked requires years of local experience, which isn’t practical for tourists. While enforcement has become stricter and fines have increased in 2025, leading to local unrest, the application of these laws can still feel random. Higher fines have also increased the potential for police corruption. Despite efforts to follow the rules, some laws may not make sense in the local context, and accidental violations are common. It’s wise to budget for potential fines during your trip.

How Much Is "Coffee Money" in Practice?

The amount of "coffee money" (informal bribes) varies depending on several factors:

• The specific rule you broke
• The severity of the violation
• The type of motorbike you’re riding
• The region of the country
• Your willingness to negotiate and delay
• Your confidence and demeanor during the interaction

On average, expect to pay 1–1.5 million VND (approximately $50–$65 USD). Offering outdated lower amounts, like 200k–500k VND ($10–$15 USD), may worsen the situation.

Paperwork Issues

Vietnam’s paperwork requirements for motorbikes are complex, and it’s nearly impossible to carry all the correct documents. Even locals struggle to comply fully. Common paperwork issues police may point out include:

• Carrying a copy instead of the original blue card
• Missing yellow insurance paper
• Name mismatch on the blue card
• Using the wrong version of an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Police often use paperwork issues to intimidate, but these are usually secondary to the real reason for the stop, such as speeding. Stay calm, polite, and firm during negotiations. Tigit can provide a photo of the original blue card if needed, but this rarely affects the outcome. For minor infractions, reasonable coffee money typically resolves the situation.

Traffic Cameras

Traffic cameras are increasingly problematic for Tigit, as fines can take up to six months to process, often after the rider has left Vietnam. We contact clients via email to request payment for these fines, and most comply. The process of paying fines in Vietnam is complex, and while Tigit currently doesn’t charge for processing time, we ask tourists to respect the effort involved.

Avoiding Traffic Cameras

Most traffic cameras are on major highways, particularly the AH1 coastal road, which runs the length of Vietnam. This road is dangerous, and Tigit does not recommend it. If you must ride it, strictly adhere to the speed limit. A local trick (unofficially) is to obscure your number plate with mud, though we don’t endorse this.

Vietnam’s Road Speed Limits

Determining speed limits in Vietnam is challenging, as they vary by location (towns vs. open roads) and signs are often small or hidden. The Waze app, powered by Google, offers approximate speed limit guidance, though it’s not always accurate. To stay safe:

• Don’t exceed 60km/h unless you’re certain police aren’t nearby.
• In busy areas, keep speeds below 50km/h.
• Watch for long, empty stretches after towns, as speed limits may remain low (e.g., 40km/h).
• Be cautious on downhill sections, where it’s easy to exceed the limit, a common police trap.

Dealing with Police Stops

Drive sensibly to minimize police attention. Confident, skilled riders are less likely to be stopped, even if slightly speeding. Inexperienced or erratic riders are more likely to be targeted. Key tips:

• Vietnam’s speed limits are low, so avoid rushing. Plan for relaxed travel days.
• Wearing a GoPro may deter police from taking bribes for minor infractions, as they avoid being recorded. However, for serious violations, they may demand you turn off the camera and threaten confiscation or formal penalties.
• Stay cautious, as locals drive unpredictably, and speeding can be dangerous.

Navigating Red Traffic Lights

Motorbikes may turn right at red lights if a right-turn signal is present. However, locals often ignore certain red lights based on unwritten rules that tourists cannot easily understand. Do not attempt to copy locals or guess which lights can be ignored—always follow traffic signals to avoid fines.

Final Thoughts on 2025 Traffic Laws

In 2025, Vietnam introduced numerous traffic law changes, sparking online discussions. Many new regulations are impractical and unlikely to be consistently enforced due to inadequate systems and widespread corruption. These “Temporary Vietnamese campaigns” often fade quickly, with enforcement reverting to normal. Real changes tend to happen quietly. Despite the noise on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, little has fundamentally changed in 2025. Stay cautious, but enjoy your ride in Vietnam!