Check points are very common in Vietnam, especially in areas frequented by tourists. In fact check points are so common that in Da Nang there is a WhatsApp group dedicated to alerting group members of the common and active check points!
The most common infractions that tourists face are related to unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, driving under the influence (DWI), passing a yellow light and speeding.
Under Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP, riding a motorbike without a license incurs a fine of 2-4 million VND for bikes under 125cc. Bikes over 125cc 6-8 million. And the fines go even higher for expensive bikes. Driving a car without a license leads to a 10–14 million VND fine. At best the officer at a check point will accept an immediate cash payment without a receipt. At worst your vehicle will be impounded until the blue card owner retrieves your vehicle. Rental shops generally impose a fee on top of the fine paid to the government.
Licensed drivers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States are targeted at police check points for unlicensed driving.
Sobriety check points are also common through-out the country. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.00 is the only legal value! Drinking and driving is not tolerated
Accelerating on a yellow light to beat a red light is an infraction. The countdown timer isn’t for drag racing. It is to insure that all drivers stop at the red.
Unposted speed limits on motorcycles is the rule through out the country. Motorcycles should deduct 20 KPH from the posted speed limits. 90 KPM means 70 KPM and a limit of 80 KPM means 60 KPH for motorcycles
