Reporting traffic violations: Encourage the right approach, maintain strict control.

Many opinions support this, arguing that it is a practical measure to mobilize public participation in ensuring traffic safety. However, there are also considerable concerns about the potential for negative consequences if the policy is not implemented transparently and strictly controlled.

You could be rewarded up to 5 million VND.

According to the draft, the amount of financial support will be based on the fine imposed on the violation discovered thanks to information provided by citizens. Specifically, if the fine is less than 30 million VND for individuals or less than 60 million VND for organizations, the support will be 5% of the total fine, but not exceeding 2.5 million VND. For cases with fines of 30 million VND or more (for individuals) or 60 million VND or more (for organizations), the support will increase to 10%, with a maximum of 5 million VND per case. The support will be disbursed within 30 days from the date of the penalty decision, after verification that the information is accurate and valid as a basis for administrative penalties.

Information about this draft proposal immediately attracted public attention. Many expressed their agreement and willingness to participate in providing information, considering it a way to both contribute to maintaining traffic safety and order, and to earn a legitimate income. Mr. NVT, a motorbike taxi driver in Thanh Vinh ward, said: “I often stand at intersections and see many clear violations. If I can record them and send the information to the police and receive support, why not do it? It helps society and provides extra income.”

Many other citizens also believe that this policy is appropriate given that most people have smartphones and can easily record violations. With specific guidance from authorities, reporting traffic violations can become an effective and widespread monitoring channel.

However, alongside the general consensus, there are also many opinions expressing concern. Many argue that encouraging "reward hunting" without proper control could lead to negative consequences. Secretly filming others could cause conflict and altercations; more seriously, it could be exploited to stage traps, entrap people, or profit from policies.

Mr. PTH, a retired official, commented: "The positive aspects cannot be denied if the policy is implemented correctly. However, if people abandon their main jobs to film violations for money, it will turn something commendable into a social problem. It could distort moral standards and create an uncivilized environment."

Some opinions also suggest limiting the scope of violations eligible for assistance when reporting incidents, prioritizing dangerous and hard-to-detect behaviors such as using fake license plates, running red lights in areas without cameras, speeding, or violations that pose a risk of serious consequences. This approach would both ensure the policy's original objectives are met and curb widespread "reward hunting."

Strict control

In reality, the traffic safety situation remains complex. The awareness of traffic laws among some road users is still limited, while the camera-based surveillance system has only been deployed on a few key routes and areas. The traffic police force is still insufficient, making it difficult to comprehensively and continuously monitor all areas.

In response to this situation, the "All citizens participate in detecting and providing information on traffic violations" movement has been launched in many localities and has initially yielded positive results. Many behaviors such as driving against the flow of traffic, illegal parking, overloading, running red lights, etc., have been recorded by citizens and sent to the authorities for processing.

To enhance efficiency, the Traffic Police Department recently established a nationwide system for receiving reports of violations, publicly disclosing the phone numbers of the heads of traffic police departments in each locality, and integrating it into platforms such as Zalo and Viber. Major General Do Thanh Binh – Director of the Traffic Police Department – ​​also publicly shared his personal phone number to receive direct feedback. Official channels such as the Department's website, Facebook fanpage, and Zalo account are also being maintained.

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All complaints from citizens are received, checked, and thoroughly verified. After clearly identifying the violation and the vehicle owner, the authorities will invite the violator to come in for questioning and handle the case according to regulations, with the principle of "punishing correctly, strictly, and without confusion."

Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Manh Hung – Deputy Head of the Traffic Police Department of Nghe An Provincial Police

However, due to the lack of a clear support mechanism, public participation in reporting violations remains limited and has not yet spread widely. The draft of the new Circular is expected to help create more motivation and encourage widespread community involvement in ensuring traffic safety and order.

According to the draft, to be eligible for support, the reported information must be video (with or without sound), recorded by the individual/organization using a handheld device or a device mounted on a vehicle; not using specialized equipment that has been installed according to regulations. In addition, the violation must occur in a location without a surveillance camera system or without law enforcement officers on duty at the time of recording.

The information must be original, unedited, objective, truthful, and clearly state the vehicle, license plate number, time, and location of the violation. Information providers must comply with Decree 135/2021/ND-CP on the use of technical data as a basis for penalties. Only after the information is verified and a penalty decision is issued will the authorities disburse the support payment.

The support payments will be made via bank account or directly at the traffic police agency. However, the payment mechanism needs to be designed strictly and clearly to prevent misuse for personal gain.

Dr. Nguyen Trong Hai, Director of Trong Hai & Associates Law Firm, stated: “Previously, even without monetary rewards, citizens proactively provided information about violations. Having a support policy will further motivate and encourage this. In a context where law enforcement cannot be present everywhere, citizens are a crucial link in the community monitoring network.”

However, he also warned: “Support policies need clear limits. Without strict control, abuse, ‘reward hunting,’ and privacy violations will arise. It is crucial to be transparent, fair, and have specific guidelines on application behavior, verification procedures, and payment methods.”

It is clear that mobilizing citizens to report traffic violations, along with providing reasonable financial support, is a sound policy, consistent with the trend of strengthening the community's role in social management. However, for the policy to be effective and avoid distortion, it requires coordinated efforts from relevant authorities, with transparent mechanisms and strict controls, aiming to build a civilized, safe, and humane traffic environment.