From July 2025 onwards: Spouses borrowing each other's cars must prepare the following documents to avoid problems.
Using a vehicle that is not registered in one's name, often referred to as driving a vehicle without proper ownership documents, causes many people to worry about being fined, especially when relatives such as spouses, parents, or friends borrow the vehicle.
The true concept of a vehicle not registered in the owner's name.
The concept of "vehicle not registered in the owner's name" doesn't simply mean the driver isn't the person whose name is on the vehicle registration certificate. In reality, the law only imposes penalties when authorities verify that there has been an act of buying, selling, transferring, giving, gifting, or inheriting a vehicle without completing the proper ownership transfer procedures.
According to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP (amended and supplemented in 2025), cases that may be subject to penalties include purchasing a vehicle but not transferring ownership, receiving a vehicle as a gift or inheritance but not re-registering it, or allocating and transferring vehicles internally within an organization without updating the new user.
The key conclusion is that using a vehicle not registered in one's name is not automatically subject to penalties, unless there is evidence proving a sale or transfer without completing the necessary legal procedures.
From July 2025, the penalties for "failure to transfer vehicle ownership" will be adjusted according to the new regulations in the amended Decree. The fines will be divided according to the type of vehicle and the type of owner.
For motorcycles and mopeds, individuals who own the vehicles will be fined from 400,000 to 600,000 VND, while organizations that own the vehicles will be fined from 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND.
For cars, tractors, and specialized vehicles, individuals who own the vehicles will be fined from 2,000,000 to 4,000,000 VND, while organizations that own the vehicles may be fined from 4,000,000 to 8,000,000 VND.
It's important to note that traffic police only issue fines if they detect the transfer of vehicle ownership without proper registration. Borrowing a vehicle from a spouse or friend will not be fined, as long as the legal origin of the vehicle can be proven.
When borrowing a vehicle, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready to avoid problems.
Although there are no penalties for legally borrowing a vehicle, drivers should still prepare the following documents to avoid problems if stopped for inspection.
The necessary documents include a driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle being driven, a national identity card, the original or notarized copy of the vehicle registration certificate, a valid civil liability insurance certificate, and a vehicle safety and environmental protection inspection certificate.
If you don't provide all the necessary documents, the authorities may impound your vehicle for verification, causing unnecessary delays and complications.
To ensure legal safety, citizens should always carry all necessary documents when participating in traffic, especially when using a vehicle not registered in their name. This not only helps avoid unfair penalties but also saves time when being checked.
