Can car owners be fined up to 12 million VND for handing over their vehicles to people without a driver's license?
Mr. Phan Thai Son (Do Luong commune, Nghe An province) asked a question regarding a matter of concern: He lent his car to someone for work. When stopped by traffic police, the driver was found to be driving without a license.
ReplyAccording to point b, clause 9, Article 18 of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP:
Penalties and deductions from driver's licenses will be imposed for violations of regulations regarding the qualifications of motor vehicle drivers.
9. A fine of VND 18,000,000 to VND 20,000,000 shall be imposed on drivers of automobiles and similar vehicles, four-wheeled motor vehicles for transporting passengers, and four-wheeled motor vehicles for transporting goods who commit one of the following violations:
...b) Driving without a license, or using a license that has had all points deducted, or using a license not issued by an authorized agency, a license that has been altered, or a license that is no longer valid.
Therefore, drivers operating vehicles without a driver's license will be fined between 18 and 20 million VND, and their vehicles will be temporarily impounded for processing according to regulations.
For vehicle owners, according to Clause 7, Article 30 of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, the act of handing over a vehicle to someone without a driver's license is also subject to penalties:
"A fine of VND 10,000,000 to VND 12,000,000 will be imposed on individuals; and a fine of VND 20,000,000 to VND 24,000,000 will be imposed on organizations that own automobiles or similar vehicles for allowing or permitting individuals without a valid driver's license to operate the vehicle."
Therefore, in the situation described above:
- The person who borrowed the car was fined 18-20 million VND for driving without a license.
- The vehicle owner was fined 10–12 million VND for allowing someone who was not qualified to drive the vehicle.
