Decree 168: Increased fines, decreased violations.
From January 1st, 2025, Decree 168/CP, which stipulates the penalties for administrative violations of road traffic order and safety, and the deduction and restoration of points on driver's licenses, officially comes into effect. With significantly increased penalties for violations, this decree truly contributes to raising awareness and responsibility among road users.
Positive change
In Vinh City, observations on central roads show that increased penalties and the implementation of a driver's license point deduction mechanism have initially yielded positive results. In areas with high traffic density, such as Le Loi Street, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, the Quan Bau intersection, and the Kenh Bac bridge, although traffic congestion still exists, violations such as cutting in line, stopping illegally, and running red lights have significantly decreased.
Observations made during the morning rush hour on January 13th at the intersection of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Le Hong Phong, Hong Bang, and Kim Dong streets showed that, despite it being the beginning of the week with very heavy traffic, instead of the usual chaotic scene of cars and motorbikes stopping haphazardly and running red lights, vehicles were now stopping in designated areas and strictly adhering to traffic signals. Notably, many delivery drivers and ride-hailing drivers – who previously had a habit of violating traffic rules – were now strictly obeying red lights, not driving against the flow of traffic, and not driving on sidewalks.
Ms. Tran Thi Hai Yen, residing in Le Loi Ward, Vinh City, shared: “The increase in fines may initially surprise many people, but I realize that the higher fines have changed people's awareness. I myself used to occasionally run red lights when turning right, but since learning about the high fines, up to 4-6 million VND for motorbikes, I've 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 carelessly drove after drinking alcohol, disregarding the potential dangers, leading to numerous tragic accidents. However, since Decree 100 came into effect, this situation has significantly decreased, and people are gradually becoming more aware of not driving after consuming alcohol. Similarly, with Decree 168, the heavy penalties will force traffic participants to pay more attention to understanding 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 cautious. Driver Nguyen Van Quang, who drives a passenger bus 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 even more careful to avoid violating the regulations; because if I get fined, it's like I lose one-third of my income for that month.”
Emphasis on public awareness campaigns and decisive action.
While the vast majority of people have seriously complied with the regulations, there are still cases of deliberate violations that have been severely punished. Specifically, just 10 days after the implementation of Decree 168/CP, the Traffic Police force of Nghe An province conducted 1,212 patrol and control operations, mobilizing 4,873 officers and soldiers. As a result, the authorities recorded and processed 2,587 violations, of which 2,473 were fined, with a total fine amount of 4.4 billion VND, 409 driving licenses were revoked, and points were deducted from driving licenses in 171 cases.
There's the case of Mr. NQD, residing in Nghi Loc district, who was stopped by the Dien Chau Traffic Police for running a red light. According to Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, this offense carries a fine of 5 million VND. Mr. D. explained: "My salary is only about 6-7 million VND per month, and now I'm fined 5 million VND. I don't know where I'll 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 it costs me time and money. After this, I will seriously abide by the traffic laws."
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Nam Hong - Deputy Head of the Traffic Police Department of the Provincial Police, stated: Decree 168/CP stipulates significantly increased penalties for many violations, especially those that are intentional, dangerous, and directly cause traffic accidents. Specifically, the act of running a red light by a car driver will be fined from 18 to 20 million VND, nearly four times higher than the fine in Decree 100/2019/ND-CP; or the act of driving against the flow of traffic by a motorbike driver will be fined from 4 to 6 million VND, more than three times higher than the previous regulations…
Besides monetary fines, the 2024 Road Traffic Safety Law also stipulates the deduction of points from driver's licenses. According to Article 58 of this law, a driver's license has a total of 12 points, used to manage compliance with traffic safety regulations. When all points are deducted from a driver's license, the offender will not be allowed to drive until they participate in a traffic law knowledge test after at least 6 months, in order to restore the points.
The goal of significantly increasing penalties in Decree 168 is to raise awareness of traffic law compliance, thereby reducing accidents and congestion, and addressing the disregard for the law among some road users.
Although strict enforcement is necessary, traffic police always prioritize raising awareness and reminding people to understand and comply with traffic rules, creating a safe and civilized traffic environment. However, those who intentionally violate the rules will still be dealt with seriously, "without exception or any forbidden zone."
Regarding the malfunctioning traffic lights at some intersections, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Nam Hong stated that the traffic police had promptly reported the issue to relevant agencies for inspection and repair. He also affirmed that people should not be overly concerned about unintentional violations due to faulty traffic lights. During the process of handling violations, the traffic police will coordinate with relevant agencies to verify and ensure that penalties are accurate, targeting the correct individuals and offenses.
Thus, it can be seen that Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, with its strict regulations and severe penalties, will promote profound changes in traffic awareness, thereby building a civilized and safe traffic environment and contributing to the formation of a solid habit of law compliance in the community. For effective implementation, it requires not only resolute handling of violations but also close coordination among relevant agencies. This includes strengthening legal education and awareness campaigns, and improving and upgrading transportation infrastructure to meet actual needs.
