Vietnam – Driving

Is Vietnam safe to drive in?

Vietnam’s roads pose a considerable safety challenge for drivers. According to the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, the country recorded more than 21,000 road traffic accidents during 2024, resulting in close to 10,000 deaths and upwards of 16,000 injuries. Despite these alarming figures, progress has been made over the longer term: fatalities per 100,000 population fell by 47% between 2010 and 2021.

When measured against Western European benchmarks — where fatality rates typically fall below 5 per 100,000 population — Vietnam’s numbers remain substantially elevated. The country’s road traffic crash fatality rate stood at 17.7 per 100,000 population, exceeding both the Asia-Pacific average of 15.2 and the Southeast Asia average of 14.4. There is also a notable discrepancy between official statistics and international estimates: the World Health Organization placed road crash fatalities at approximately 17,000 for 2021, while Vietnamese government figures for the same year cited around 6,000 deaths.

Traffic regulations exist throughout Vietnam, but compliance from both drivers and pedestrians is inconsistent, and enforcement can be sporadic. Urban traffic in particular tends to be disorderly. Bicycles, motorcycles and even larger vehicles regularly travel against the flow of traffic or along footpaths. Traffic Police Department representatives have identified habitual rule-breaking — such as ignoring signals or driving into oncoming lanes — as major contributors to the high death toll, with many drivers admitting they only observe rules when police are visibly present.

Major arterial roads are generally paved with concrete or asphalt, though heavy traffic volumes cause them to deteriorate rapidly and maintenance is inconsistent. As of 2024, only 10% and 35% of Vietnam’s road network had achieved a 3-star or higher iRAP safety rating for pedestrians and cyclists respectively — both figures trail behind the broader Asia-Pacific average. In rural areas, mountain passes, highland routes and roads subject to the rainy season can be extremely narrow, heavily potholed and vulnerable to landslides.

The Vietnamese government has recognised the severity of the problem and introduced a national road safety strategy — “Approving the National Strategy for ensuring road traffic order and safety for 2021–2030 and a vision to 2045” — which sets targets for cutting accidents, fatalities and injuries, with an ultimate ambition of zero road crash deaths by 2045. Decree 168/2024, which came into force on 1 January 2025, has sharply increased penalties for traffic offences, and preliminary evidence points to some improvement in compliance as a result.

What side of the road do you drive on in Vietnam?

Traffic in Vietnam travels on the right side of the road. Keeping to the right is fundamental to maintaining safe traffic flow and preventing head-on collisions. Drivers must stay to the right and overtake on the left. This aligns Vietnam with most of continental Europe, the Americas and a large portion of Asia.

If you come from a country where traffic keeps to the left — such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan or India — the transition can feel disorienting at first, especially when making turns, navigating roundabouts or pulling away from a standstill. The moments of greatest risk tend to be when emerging from side streets, leaving car parks or driving on quieter roads where habit can override conscious attention. Give yourself ample time to adapt and consider driving in less busy areas before attempting the dense city traffic of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

It is worth noting that even seasoned right-hand traffic drivers must stay alert in Vietnam, as motorcycles, bicycles and occasionally larger vehicles routinely travel against the direction of traffic or mount pavements. Unexpected oncoming vehicles — particularly on quieter streets at night — are a genuine and persistent hazard.

What are the main driving rules in Vietnam?

Speed limits

Within built-up urban areas, the general speed limit is 40 km/h, rising to a maximum of 50 km/h unless a lower limit is posted. On highways and roads in non-urban settings, the default maximum is 60 km/h, with some roads permitting up to 80 km/h. Dedicated expressways may carry posted limits of up to 120 km/h — always follow the signs rather than assuming a default figure applies. From 2025, drivers caught exceeding the limit by more than 35 km/h face fines of between 12 and 14 million VND. Current limits on specific road categories can be verified with the Ministry of Transport.

Drink-driving

Vietnam operates a complete prohibition on driving after consuming any alcohol whatsoever. Even a single drink can bring legal consequences and compromise road safety. Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, effective from January 2025, significantly stiffened sanctions and is enforced through around-the-clock police breathalyser checkpoints.

Penalties are structured by blood alcohol content (BAC). Where BAC does not exceed 50 mg/100 ml blood or 0.25 mg/litre breath, car drivers face fines of 6–8 million VND and motorcyclists face 2–3 million VND. For BAC between 50–80 mg/100 ml blood, fines rise to 18–20 million VND for cars and 6–8 million VND for motorcycles. Above 80 mg/100 ml blood or 0.4 mg/litre breath, the maximum fines of 30–40 million VND for cars and 8–10 million VND for motorcycles apply, along with licence suspension periods of 22–24 months. Unlike jurisdictions that permit a moderate BAC threshold, Vietnam enforces a true zero-tolerance policy with random testing carried out nationally, particularly during evening hours.

Mobile phone use

Operating electronic devices while driving is prohibited in Vietnam. Handheld phone use and other forms of device interaction behind the wheel cause dangerous distraction and carry serious legal consequences, including the risk of causing an accident. Decree 168/2024 has also introduced tougher penalties for wearing earphones while driving.

Seatbelts and helmets

All occupants of a car are required to wear seatbelts. For those travelling by motorcycle or scooter — the most prevalent form of transport in Vietnam — helmet use is compulsory at all times. Make certain your helmet fits correctly and meets applicable safety standards.

Right of way and general conduct

Where right-of-way situations arise, heavier vehicles such as buses or trucks generally take precedence. Attempting to yield to them unexpectedly can create confusion and increase collision risk. Vietnamese traffic culture operates on a fluid, adaptive basis rather than the rigid right-of-way conventions found in many European countries — patience, anticipation and constant awareness are indispensable. Although some drivers treat an amber traffic light as a prompt to accelerate, this is illegal and can result in both financial penalties and accidents.

Traffic fines and the points system

A 12-point demerit system is now in place, with offences resulting in graduated point deductions rather than automatic licence revocation. Decree 168/2024 sets deductions ranging from 2 to 10 points depending on the severity of the offence. The most serious violations — such as exceeding alcohol limits or reversing on a motorway — carry 10-point deductions. Running a red light attracts fines of 4–6 million VND for motorcycles and 18–20 million VND for cars from 2025 onwards.

What equipment are you legally required to carry in your car in Vietnam?

The list of equipment that Vietnamese law requires drivers to carry is more concise than the requirements in some countries. Whereas France, for example, mandates individual items such as a breathalyser, high-visibility vest and warning triangle, Vietnam’s legal minimum is more limited — though the practical conditions of the road make carrying basic safety equipment sensible regardless of what the law strictly demands.

The following items are either legally required or strongly advisable when driving in Vietnam:

• Valid driving documents: Your licence (either a Vietnamese licence or a valid 1968 IDP paired with your original national licence), the vehicle’s registration document (Giấy đăng ký xe) and proof of compulsory insurance must be on your person at all times.
• Compulsory third-party insurance certificate: Every motor vehicle in Vietnam must be covered by compulsory civil liability insurance (bảo hiểm trách nhiệm dân sự). This must be available for inspection when requested.
• Vehicle roadworthiness certificate (Đăng kiểm): Cars must carry a current periodic technical inspection certificate. Motorcycles with engines above 50cc have been subject to periodic inspection requirements since 2020.
• Helmet (motorcycles): Wearing a helmet is compulsory at all times when riding a motorcycle or scooter.
• Warning triangle / reflective equipment: A warning triangle or equivalent reflective safety gear is not universally required for all private vehicles in Vietnam in the way it is in Germany or Spain, but it is a legal requirement for commercial vehicles and is strongly recommended for all motorists in the event of a breakdown or collision.
• Fire extinguisher: A fire extinguisher is a legal requirement in vehicles used for passenger transport and many commercial vehicles. For private cars, while not always explicitly mandated, carrying a small extinguisher is common practice and is encouraged by the authorities.

Foreign drivers are not frequently stopped by traffic police, but are nonetheless expected to comply fully with Vietnamese law and to carry all required documentation whenever they drive. Verify current requirements with the Ministry of Transport (Bộ Giao thông Vận tải) or the Traffic Police Department, as rules are subject to revision.

What are the most important road signs in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s road sign system broadly follows the international conventions established under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This means most signs — prohibitory red circles, mandatory blue circles and hazard warning triangles — will look familiar to drivers from countries that use the same framework. Those accustomed to systems derived from the 1949 Geneva Convention may notice minor differences, but the overall logic is comparable.

The principal categories of road signs to understand include:

• Prohibition signs: A red circle enclosing a white or coloured symbol — covering restrictions such as no entry, no overtaking and speed limits. Speed limit signs display a number inside a red circle, consistent with European practice.
• Warning signs: Yellow or orange diamonds or triangles alerting drivers to hazards ahead — road narrows, sharp bends, level crossings. The shapes follow conventions shared across much of Asia and Europe.
• Mandatory signs: Blue circles indicating obligatory actions — turn right, proceed straight ahead, observe a minimum speed.
• Information and direction signs: Blue or green rectangular boards showing routes, distances and available facilities. Green boards are used on expressways; blue is more common in urban and regional contexts.

Signs that new arrivals frequently misread include motorbike prohibition signs — a red circle containing a motorcycle silhouette — which appear in certain urban lanes and restricted zones. Restrictions on trucks and buses are similarly indicated by silhouette-based prohibitory circles. As Vietnamese text features prominently on directional and informational signs, using a GPS navigation app with Vietnamese mapping data — such as Google Maps or the locally popular VietMap — is strongly advisable.

Traffic lights in Vietnam follow the same red-amber-green sequence used in most countries. Two local peculiarities are worth noting. First, some drivers treat the amber signal as an instruction to accelerate, which is illegal and potentially dangerous — the correct response is to stop if it is safe to do so. Second, many intersections in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are equipped with countdown timers showing the seconds remaining on a red or green light, which can be helpful for anticipating when the signal will change. Turning right on red is generally not permitted unless a dedicated green arrow is displayed.

What must you do if you have a road accident in Vietnam?

Handling a road accident in Vietnam requires particular care, especially for foreign drivers, given the potential legal and insurance ramifications. Vietnam’s National Traffic Safety Committee advises calling the police on 113 immediately in the event of any accident. For medical emergencies, call 115. Keep these numbers readily accessible at all times. The fire service can be reached on 114.

From 2025, the recommended procedure following a road accident in Vietnam is:

1. Stop immediately and remain at the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident in which someone has been hurt is a criminal offence under Vietnamese law.
2. Check for injuries. Call 115 (ambulance) if anyone requires medical attention. Avoid moving seriously injured persons unless they face immediate further danger.
3. Contact the Traffic Police (113). Any accident involving personal injury, significant vehicle damage or damage to property must be reported to the Traffic Police Department (Cảnh sát Giao thông). Officers will attend, collect statements and produce an official accident report (biên bản tai nạn giao thông).
4. Do not move the vehicles until police have attended and recorded the scene, unless repositioning is necessary for safety reasons or to allow emergency services to pass. Photograph the scene, vehicle positions, damage and any relevant road features before anything is moved.
5. Exchange details with the other party involved, including their name, address, telephone number, vehicle registration and insurance information. Request a copy of their compulsory insurance certificate.
6. Obtain a copy of the police report. This document is indispensable for any subsequent insurance claim and will be required by your insurer.
7. Notify your insurer without delay, furnishing them with the police report, photographs and all details relating to the other party.

Foreign drivers should be aware that liability can sometimes be assumed to rest with them in disputed cases. Vietnamese law imposes severe consequences for driving without a valid Vietnamese licence — an unlicensed driver may face a custodial sentence of up to three years, and one who causes an accident while unlicensed could receive a sentence of up to ten years. Keep your documentation current and in order at all times. If you are involved in a serious incident, contact your country’s embassy or consulate for assistance. Always confirm current procedures with the Ministry of Public Security.

Where can you find up-to-date road traffic information for Vietnam?

Keeping abreast of traffic conditions in Vietnam is particularly important in cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where congestion is a daily reality. A range of tools and resources is available to help:

• Google Maps: Widely used throughout Vietnam, offering real-time traffic overlays, journey planning and incident alerts for major urban centres. Available in both Vietnamese and a range of other languages.
• VietMap: A home-grown navigation and mapping platform that enjoys strong popularity among local drivers. VietMap provides detailed data on Vietnamese roads and is regarded as highly reliable for local routes, speed camera positions and toll information.
• Grab, Xanh SM, Gojek and Be: Ride-hailing apps that offer a practical alternative to driving yourself and can give a useful indication of typical journey times in city traffic.
• National Traffic Safety Committee: The National Traffic Safety Committee (Ủy ban An toàn Giao thông Quốc gia) issues updates on road safety initiatives, significant incidents and changes to regulations.
• Ministry of Transport: The Ministry of Transport (Bộ Giao thông Vận tải) publishes news on road construction and major infrastructure projects that may affect long-distance travel planning.
• Local radio: FM radio stations in Hanoi (VOV Giao thông — Traffic Radio, 91 MHz) and Ho Chi Minh City (VOH, 99.9 MHz) broadcast regular traffic bulletins in Vietnamese, making them especially valuable during peak commuting hours.
• Facebook groups and expat forums: Active online communities for expatriates in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City regularly share real-time information about accidents, road closures and police checkpoint locations.

Always confirm that any links or applications you rely on are current, as Vietnamese government web addresses are occasionally updated. When in doubt, search for the relevant agency by name rather than depending on previously saved links.

How does parking work in Vietnam?

Parking in Vietnam — especially in its largest cities — operates on a fundamentally different basis from the metered bays and permit zones familiar in much of Western Europe. Instead of pay-and-display machines or smartphone apps, most paid urban parking is managed by on-site attendants. You leave your vehicle, an attendant provides a ticket, and you settle the fee upon collection. Charges are generally modest — as of 2025, motorbike parking in city-centre areas typically costs around VND 5,000–30,000 per hour, with car parking somewhat higher, though rates differ by location. Always verify current pricing with your local municipal or district authority, as fees are periodically revised.

In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, designated parking zones are identified by signage, and most shopping centres, hotels and office blocks offer underground or multi-storey parking at hourly rates. On-street car parking is scarce in many inner-city zones, and kerbside parking is largely informal in nature. Double-parking and pavement parking for motorcycles is extremely widespread in practice, even though it is technically restricted in many areas.

Long-term residents — including expatriates — who need reliable parking close to their home or workplace generally arrange this directly with building management or local parking operators rather than through any formal municipal permit application, as might be the case in Germany or the Netherlands. Vietnam does not operate a centralised residential parking permit scheme comparable to those found in many European cities.

Regarding disabled parking: Vietnam does not have a formalised disabled parking badge scheme equivalent to the EU Blue Badge or comparable systems elsewhere, and foreign disabled parking permits are not automatically recognised. Provisions for disabled access and dedicated parking are improving in newer urban developments, but the picture remains uneven. Expatriates requiring parking arrangements on account of a disability should approach the relevant local People’s Committee (Uỷ ban nhân dân) or the provincial or city Department of Transport for current guidance. National accessibility legislation continues to develop, so it is worth checking the latest position with local authorities.

Can you drive in Vietnam on a foreign or international licence?

Licensing requirements are among the most important — and most frequently misunderstood — aspects of driving in Vietnam for expatriates. The rules are nuanced and have evolved over time.

Foreign licences alone are not valid

A foreign driving licence, even when presented alongside an international driving permit, is not sufficient on its own to drive legally in Vietnam. You must carry a qualifying IDP together with your original national licence, or hold a Vietnamese driving licence.

International Driving Permits (IDPs)

Foreign nationals driving in Vietnam are required to hold a valid IDP issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, in addition to their original home country licence — unless they hold a licence from an ASEAN member state or a Vietnamese licence. Vietnam only recognises IDPs that comply with the 1968 Vienna Convention; IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are not accepted.

This distinction is critical, as the 1968 convention has not been signed by several countries, including Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand and the United States. Drivers from these countries cannot obtain a valid IDP for use in Vietnam and must therefore obtain a Vietnamese licence in order to drive legally.

ASEAN licence holders

Vietnam became a signatory to the ASEAN agreement on the recognition of domestic driving licences on 22 January 1997. In principle, this means that nationals of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia may drive legally in Vietnam on their national driving licence. In practice, however, Vietnamese traffic police frequently request a 1968 IDP regardless. Obtaining an IDP to accompany your ASEAN licence is advisable for insurance purposes.

How to exchange a foreign licence for a Vietnamese one

A foreign licence paired with a valid 1968 Convention IDP permits driving in Vietnam, but this arrangement is technically only recognised for the first three months of your stay. Beyond that point, converting to a Vietnamese equivalent becomes necessary.

The licence exchange process is as follows:

1. Confirm eligibility. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must have been residing, working or studying in Vietnam for a minimum of three months. A Temporary Residency Permit (TRC) is required.
2. Gather documents. You will need a completed application form for the exchange of a motor vehicle driving licence, the original and authenticated photocopies of your foreign licence, a Vietnamese notarised translation of the licence in two copies, a valid health certificate from an approved medical facility, copies of your passport and residency permit, and recent passport-sized photographs.
3. Pay the application fee. The fee stands at VND 135,000 as of 2025. Further charges for translation, photographs or document delivery may also apply.
4. Submit your application. Approach the nearest Traffic Police Department or Commune-level Police Department for official instructions and to lodge your application. Online applications can also be submitted via dichvucong.gov.vn, though this portal is currently available in Vietnamese only.
5. No test required for equivalent categories. Converting a foreign licence to a Vietnamese one on a like-for-like basis does not require a written or practical driving test. If the foreign licence covers a category not encompassed by the conversion, an additional practical assessment may be necessary.
6. Collect your Vietnamese licence. Processing times vary, but a complete application dossier is typically processed within a few working days. The validity period of the issued licence will be determined by the shorter of either your visa or temporary residence card expiry date, or the expiry date of your original foreign licence.

Always confirm the latest requirements directly with the Traffic Police Department or the Ministry of Transport, as procedures are subject to periodic revision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving in Vietnam

Do I need special insurance to drive in Vietnam as a foreigner?

All vehicles operating in Vietnam must be covered by compulsory civil liability insurance (bảo hiểm trách nhiệm dân sự bắt buộc), which provides cover for third-party injury and property damage claims. This insurance is typically arranged through the vehicle owner. If you are renting a vehicle, verify that the policy is current and extends to foreign drivers. For personal accident coverage and more comprehensive protection, you should arrange supplementary private motor insurance. It is important to note that driving without the correct documentation — including an invalid IDP, a missing original licence or incorrect licence category — will generally invalidate both travel and health insurance policies, irrespective of who was at fault. Ensure all your paperwork is complete before you drive.

Are there toll roads in Vietnam, and how do I pay them?

Yes, Vietnam has a growing network of expressways (đường cao tốc) featuring toll collection points, particularly on corridors linking major cities such as the Hanoi–Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thanh routes. Tolls are collected at booths either on entry or exit. An electronic toll collection (ETC) system using transponders known as E-Tags is being progressively introduced and is available for purchase at toll booths and certain petrol stations. Cash payment continues to be accepted at most toll points. If hiring a vehicle, ask the rental company whether an E-Tag is already fitted. Refer to the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) and the Ministry of Transport for up-to-date toll rates, as these are subject to change.

What are the rules for driving with children in Vietnam?

Children travelling by car are required to wear a seatbelt where one is provided. Vietnam’s traffic legislation does not prescribe specific child car seat requirements in the manner of EU Regulation ECE R44/04 or equivalent frameworks — dedicated child restraint seats are not legally mandated for private cars as of 2025, though they are strongly recommended on safety grounds. On motorcycles, the general rule is that a motorcycle should carry no more than two people, with exceptions covering circumstances such as transporting someone to hospital, children under 14, and elderly or disabled passengers. Children riding on motorcycles must wear a properly fitted helmet at all times.

Are there winter driving requirements in Vietnam?

Vietnam has no seasonal winter tyre mandate comparable to those in place in Scandinavia, Germany or Austria. The overwhelming majority of the country experiences a tropical or subtropical climate with no snowfall. That said, in the northern highland regions — particularly around Sa Pa, Ha Giang and the Moc Chau plateau — temperatures can approach freezing between December and February, and frost or light ice on mountain passes is a realistic possibility. Drivers heading into these areas during the winter months should ensure their tyres have adequate tread depth and should check local road conditions before departure. As of 2025, no legal requirement to fit winter tyres exists under Vietnamese traffic law.

What are the penalties for driving under the influence in Vietnam?

Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, in force from January 2025, substantially increased sanctions for drink-driving. For car drivers, fines start at 6–8 million VND for a BAC not exceeding 50 mg/100 ml blood or 0.25 mg/litre breath; motorcycle riders face fines of 2–3 million VND at this threshold. At the highest BAC tier — above 80 mg/100 ml blood or 0.4 mg/litre breath — car drivers face fines of 30–40 million VND, while motorcyclists face 8–10 million VND, in both cases accompanied by a licence suspension of 22–24 months. Declining to submit to a breathalyser test triggers automatic imposition of the maximum fine — 30–40 million VND for cars and 8–10 million VND for motorcycles — plus the same 22–24 month revocation period. Where an accident resulting in injury or death occurs while a driver is under the influence, criminal prosecution is also a possibility.

Can I use mapping and GPS apps freely while driving in Vietnam?

Using GPS navigation apps is permitted while driving, but operating a handheld phone to do so is prohibited. Secure your device in a dashboard or windscreen mount before setting off. Google Maps and VietMap are both widely used and reliable navigation tools in Vietnam. In remote highland areas and some rural regions, map coverage may be incomplete, so downloading offline maps ahead of longer journeys is a sensible precaution.

Is it safe to hire a motorbike in Vietnam as an expat?

Motorcycles are the predominant form of transport across Vietnam and are readily available to hire. However, traffic behaviour and road conditions differ markedly from most other countries, and the rules of the road — as well as real-world driving habits — may be very different from what you are accustomed to. Before hiring, make sure your licence covers the engine category of the bike you intend to ride (IDPs specify vehicle classes), wear a properly fitted helmet at all times, and start on quieter roads to build familiarity before tackling busy city traffic. Riding without the correct documentation will complicate any insurance claim following an accident and will in most cases result in no cover at all.

What should I do if my vehicle is involved in a hit-and-run accident in Vietnam?

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, call the Traffic Police immediately on 113 and provide as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle — including make, colour and any portion of the registration number you were able to note. Do not move your vehicle until police have arrived and recorded the scene. Take photographs straight away. Lodge an official report with the Traffic Police Department, as this document will be essential for your insurance claim. Notify your insurer as promptly as possible. Where anyone has been injured, call 115 for an ambulance at the same time. Your country’s embassy or consulate is able to provide consular support if the situation is serious.