Three months after Decree 168 was enacted, a significant number of reckless drivers - such as those reversing on expressways or overtaking without ensuring safety - have been fined heavily. Upon receiving citations, many pledged not to repeat their violations.

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Traffic police in Hanoi temporarily seize the vehicle of a street racer for revving the engine and reckless maneuvering. Photo: Dinh Hieu

According to the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, since Decree 168 came into effect, traffic police nationwide have handled 728,818 cases of traffic violations - a reduction of over 341,000 cases compared to the same period last year.

Traffic accidents have decreased in all three key criteria: number of incidents, fatalities, and injuries. Across the country, 4,440 road traffic accidents were recorded, resulting in 2,446 deaths and 3,026 injuries. Compared to the same period in 2024, this marks a reduction of 1,821 accidents, 245 deaths, and 1,864 injuries.

Colonel Nguyen Quang Nhat, Head of the Department of Traffic Accident Guidance, Investigation, and Resolution (Traffic Police Department), reported a drop of 92,213 speeding violations, 130,340 alcohol-related offenses, and 5,281 cases of running red lights.

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Driver Tran Son D. is issued a citation by the traffic police unit. Photo: CACC

Particularly notable was the reduction in dangerous behaviors on expressways, such as driving in reverse, against traffic, or making unsafe overtakes.

For instance, on the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway this February, the Highway Patrol Unit 1 (under the Traffic Police Department) repeatedly cited drivers for going against traffic.

One such case involved Tran Thi L. (born 1982, residing in Thanh Xuan, Hanoi), who was driving a car with license plate 30F-609.XX in the wrong direction at Km244 on the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway, heading toward Hanoi. She explained to police that she had mistakenly taken the wrong route.

She was fined 35 million VND (approximately USD 1,400) and had 10 points deducted from her driver’s license. "The high fine is a deterrent, and it’s a lesson I won’t forget. I won’t make the same mistake again," she said.

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Overloaded dump truck fined USD 6,000 in Hanoi. Photo: Dinh Hieu

Another case involved driver Tran Son D., who was caught operating a passenger car with license plate 25F-002.XX against traffic at Km78 (IC10 toll station) on the same expressway on the night of February 14. D. stated that he would be more cautious going forward, especially after losing 10 points from his license, and promised not to violate the law again.

A representative of Highway Patrol Unit 1 explained that under Decree 168, the fine for driving against traffic on expressways is double that of Decree 100. This increase has made drivers more cautious.

"After a surge in cases of driving in the wrong direction during the first half of February, not a single such violation occurred in March," the representative added.

Elsewhere in Hanoi’s inner-city roads, Decree 168 also made an impact. Highway Patrol Unit 6 (Hanoi Traffic Police Department) imposed a fine of 151 million VND (about USD 6,000) on a dump truck driver for exceeding the allowable load by more than 150%.

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Ride-hailing motorbike driver receives a fine for riding on the sidewalk. Photo: Dinh Hieu

The driver, Nguyen T.T., said the steep fine - levied on both the driver and vehicle owner - was a harsh but unforgettable lesson. "After this penalty, I will absolutely refuse to drive overloaded vehicles, even if the owner demands it," he stated.

In another case, a ride-hailing motorbike driver was issued a citation for riding on the sidewalk. Trung Ta Pham Van Chien, head of Highway Patrol Unit 6, noted that Decree 168 significantly increases fines for numerous traffic violations that are key causes of accidents. It serves as a wake-up call for road users to comply with traffic laws more strictly.

"Violations such as running red lights, riding on sidewalks, or not wearing helmets have all decreased noticeably. Over time, road users will gradually develop a culture of safe and lawful driving," Trung Ta Chien assessed.

Dinh Hieu