The 2024 Road Traffic Order and Safety Law is bringing significant changes to the management of road user behavior, particularly for motorcycle and scooter riders. Many long-standing habits are now clearly defined as violations and will be strictly enforced to reduce accident risks.
Using Earphones While Riding Motorcycles
One key concern is the ban on using audio devices while riding motorcycles, except for hearing aids. This rule is based on evidence that listening to audio through earphones reduces concentration, making it harder for riders to hear crucial signals like horns, emergency brakes, or traffic directions.
Legally, “audio devices” include both wired and wireless earphones. This means even using earphones for navigation, not music or calls, is considered a violation of traffic safety laws.
Violators face substantial fines and license point deductions. The point system aims to enhance compliance beyond administrative penalties.
In more severe cases, using earphones while handling a phone or device, leading to an accident, results in heavier penalties, including higher fines, more license points deducted, and potential criminal liability for serious accidents.
Importantly, the law does not consider the purpose of earphone use. Even using them for navigation is treated as a violation due to the equal safety risk.
To avoid violations, riders can mount phones on their vehicles for navigation. However, authorities advise minimizing screen use while riding, as even brief distractions can lead to dangerous situations.
Using Phones While Driving Cars or Motorcycles
Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP dated 26/12/2024 outlines penalties for using phones while driving cars, motorcycles, or bicycles. It specifies fines and license point deductions for such violations.
Specifically, Article 6, Clause 5(h), imposes fines of VND 4,000,000 to VND 6,000,000 on car drivers using phones or electronic devices while driving.
Article 7, Clause 4(d), fines motorcycle riders VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000 for using umbrellas, audio devices (except hearing aids), or phones/electronics while riding.
Article 9, Clause 1(h), fines bicycle and moped riders VND 100,000 to VND 200,000 for similar violations, including using umbrellas or phones/electronics.
Traffic experts recommend planning routes in advance and memorizing directions to reduce reliance on devices. Adhering to these rules not only avoids penalties but also promotes safer, more civilized roads.
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