Decree 168: Fines increase, violations decrease

Positive change

In Vinh City, observations on central routes show that increasing fines and applying the mechanism of deducting driving license points have initially shown positive effects. In areas with high traffic density, on Le Loi, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Quan Bau intersection, Kenh Bac bridge, etc., although congestion still exists, violations such as crowding, stopping in the wrong lane and running red lights have decreased significantly.

Recorded during rush hour on the morning of January 13 at the intersection of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Le Hong Phong, Hong Bang and Kim Dong streets, although it was the first day of the week with a very high traffic volume, instead of the usual image of cars and motorbikes stopping haphazardly and running red lights, now the vehicles stopped in the right place and strictly followed the traffic light signals. In particular, many shippers and technology drivers - people who used to have the habit of violating traffic laws - strictly followed the red light signals, did not go against the traffic flow and did not drive on the sidewalk.

Ms. Tran Thi Hai Yen, residing in Le Loi Ward, Vinh City, shared: “The increase in fines may surprise many people at first, but I realize that the high fines have changed people's awareness. I myself used to occasionally run red lights when turning right, but since I learned about the high fines, up to 4-6 million VND for motorbikes, I have reminded myself to strictly comply not only to avoid losing money but also to ensure public safety...”.

Mr. Nguyen Lam Hong, residing in Trung Do Ward, Vinh City, shared: “Before Decree 100 was issued, many people still drove carelessly after drinking alcohol, regardless of the potential dangers, leading to many tragic accidents. However, since Decree 100 took effect, this situation has decreased significantly, people are gradually more aware of not driving after using alcohol. Similarly, with Decree 168, the heavy penalty will force traffic participants to pay more attention to learning and complying with regulations, thereby raising awareness and responsibility when participating in traffic.”

For long-distance drivers, Decree 168 also creates a strong incentive for them to be more careful. Driver Nguyen Van Quang, a bus driver on the Vinh - Hanoi route, said: “Previously, the fine for using a phone while driving was only about 2-3 million VND, but now the fine has doubled. This makes me more careful not to violate the law; because if I get fined, it means I lose 1/3 of my income that month.”

Focus on propaganda, resolute handling

While the majority of people have strictly complied with the regulations, there are still cases of intentional violations that have been severely punished. Specifically, after only 10 days of implementing Decree 168/CP, the Traffic Police of Nghe An Province Police conducted 1,212 patrols and inspections, mobilizing 4,873 officers and soldiers. As a result, the authorities have recorded 2,587 violations, of which 2,473 cases have been fined, with fines totaling up to VND4.4 billion, 409 cases had their driving licenses revoked, and 171 cases had their driving licenses deducted.

There is a case like Mr. NQD, residing in Nghi Loc district, when the working group of Dien Chau Traffic Police Station stopped his car for violating the red light violation. According to the provisions of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, this behavior will be fined 5 million VND. Mr. D. explained: "My salary is only about 6-7 million VND per month, now I am fined 5 million VND, I don't know where to get the money to pay. It's true that running a red light for a few seconds, I thought it would be faster, but now I've wasted time and money. After this time, I will strictly comply with the Traffic Law".

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Nam Hong - Deputy Head of the Traffic Police Department of the Provincial Police Department commented: Decree 168/CP stipulates a sharp increase in penalties for many violations, especially intentional, dangerous violations that directly cause traffic accidents. Specifically, the act of running a red light by a car driver will be fined from 18 - 20 million VND, nearly 4 times higher than the fine in Decree 100/2019/ND-CP; or the act of driving in the wrong direction by a motorbike driver will be fined from 4 - 6 million VND, more than 3 times higher than the previous regulation...

In addition to the fine, the 2024 Road Traffic Safety Law also stipulates the deduction of points on driving licenses. According to Article 58 of this law, a driving license has a total of 12 points, used to manage compliance with traffic safety regulations. When all points are deducted from a driving license, the violator will not be allowed to drive a vehicle until he or she takes a traffic law knowledge test after at least 6 months, in order to restore the points.

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The goal of increasing fines in Decree 168 is to raise awareness of traffic law compliance, thereby reducing accidents, traffic jams and overcoming the disregard for the law by a segment of traffic participants.
Although strict punishment is necessary, the traffic police force always focuses on propaganda and reminders so that people understand and comply with traffic rules, creating a safe and civilized traffic environment. However, cases of intentional violations will still be handled seriously, "no forbidden zones, no exceptions".

Regarding the situation of some intersections with faulty traffic lights, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Nam Hong said that the traffic police have promptly reported to relevant agencies for inspection and repair. At the same time, he affirmed that people do not need to worry too much about accidentally violating traffic lights due to damaged traffic lights. During the process of handling violations, the traffic police will coordinate with functional units to verify and ensure accurate punishment, correct subjects and correct errors.

Thus, it can be seen that Decree 168/2024/ND-CP with strict regulations and severe penalties will promote a profound change in traffic participation awareness, thereby building a civilized and safe traffic system, contributing to forming a habit of firmly abiding by the law in the community... For effective implementation, not only is it necessary to be determined in handling violations but also requires close coordination between functional agencies, in which, propaganda and legal education work needs to be promoted, at the same time, traffic infrastructure also needs to be improved and upgraded to meet actual needs.