The New Traffic Rules: Hefty Fines and License Points at Stake for Signal Jumpers From 2025 Onwards

Image: Traffic police extracting camera footage of a driver violating traffic rules.

Up to 10 points can be deducted from the driver’s license

Decree No. 168/2024/ND-CP (abbreviated as Decree 168), effective from January 1, 2025, replaces Decree No. 100/2019/ND-CP (amended and supplemented by Decree 123/ND-CP). It outlines administrative penalties for violations in the field of road traffic, including point deductions, restoration of points, and license revocation.

Regarding the increased penalties in Decree 168, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Quang Nhat, Head of the Traffic Police Department’s Propaganda and Investigation Division, stated that the decree imposes stringent penalties on behaviors that are the primary causes of traffic accidents. These penalties reflect a disregard for the law and include substantial fines and even vehicle confiscation for running red lights, driving in the wrong direction, or performing stunts.

Traffic police inspecting a coach driver’s documents.

Speaking about the point deduction system in Decree 168, Lieutenant Colonel Nhat explained that the drafting committee based the penalties on the nature and severity of the violations. These include supplementary penalties such as point deductions, license suspension, and confiscation of vehicles or other objects related to the violation.

“According to the decree, violations will result in a deduction of 2 to a maximum of 10 points. Additionally, some dangerous behaviors with a high potential for accidents will result in license suspension,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nhat. He provided an example: “For drunk driving, a first-time offender will be fined and have 4 points deducted, a second-time offender will lose 10 points, and a third-time offender will have their license revoked for 22 to 24 months. Other violations, such as failing to obey traffic signals or the instructions of a traffic controller, or driving in the wrong direction, will result in a 4-point deduction.”

The Head of the Traffic Police Department’s Propaganda and Investigation Division added that the Traffic Police Department has shared data with the Public Service Portal and connected to the National Population Database to manage and process information about driver’s license suspensions since August 15. He encouraged citizens to integrate their driver and vehicle information into the VNeID system for easier monitoring.

Traffic police using speed measuring equipment to target slow-moving vehicles.

Priority given to using technology and cameras as evidence

According to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Quang Nhat, the unit has completed preparations regarding personnel, infrastructure, software, and the Traffic Control Center to meet the requirements of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, which comes into effect on January 1, 2025.

“The Traffic Police Department has conducted training sessions for local police forces to ensure strict enforcement of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety from its first day of implementation. This will help establish discipline and encourage law-abiding behavior among road users,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Quang Nhat.

Lieutenant Colonel Nhat added that local traffic police forces have identified complex intersections and areas with frequent traffic violations. They are developing plans, deploying personnel and technical equipment, and encouraging citizens to comply with the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety.

“The Ministry of Public Security’s stance is to strictly handle violators with the principle of ‘no forbidden zones, no exceptions.’ Our officers and soldiers must also strictly abide by the law while performing their duties,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nhat.

He emphasized that the authorities will prioritize the use of technology, surveillance systems, and cameras to provide evidence of traffic violations, in addition to direct detection methods.

Thanh Ha

– 06:00 31/12/2024