Why wear headphones while driving: Motorbikes are heavily fined, cars are allowed
Social media is abuzz with debate over the regulation to punish the act of wearing headphones while driving. While some motorcyclists are fined up to millions of dong, car drivers are often not punished for the same behavior.
According to the representative of the Traffic Police Department (Ministry of Public Security), the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety clearly stipulates that motorcyclists (including motorbikes, 2-wheeled and 3-wheeled motorcycles) are prohibited from using audio devices, except hearing aids. Therefore, wearing wired or bluetooth headphones while driving a motorbike is considered a violation.
The fine for this behavior ranges from 800,000 to 1,000,000 VND, along with a deduction of 4 driving license points. If causing a traffic accident, the fine can be up to 10-14 million VND and a deduction of 10 driving license points.
Meanwhile, car drivers are allowed to use bluetooth headsets or hands-free calling devices built into the car, as long as they do not distract them while driving.
However, if the driver holds the phone or puts it close to his ear to listen while driving, he will be fined from 4-6 million VND and have 4 driving license points deducted. In case of causing an accident, the fine increases to 20-22 million VND and 10 driving license points deducted.
Explaining this difference, experts said that motorbikes are open vehicles, requiring the driver to use both vision and hearing to recognize signals from the environment such as car horns or rescue sounds. Wearing headphones reduces hearing ability, increasing the risk of accidents.
In contrast, cars are closed vehicles, equipped with soundproofing systems and modern communication support equipment, so the use of headphones is accepted within limits.
To ensure fairness, traffic police regularly use surveillance cameras and extract travel data to verify violations, helping to make the handling process transparent.
The Traffic Police Department recommends that people comply with regulations to ensure traffic safety and avoid severe fines.