A representative of the Hanoi Traffic Police Department has confirmed that there is no regulation imposing fines on individuals who stop their motorbikes to wear a raincoat, provided they adhere to traffic rules.

On February 9, the Hanoi Traffic Police Department addressed concerns circulating on social media regarding claims that stopping to put on a raincoat could result in a fine of up to 14 million VND ($550).

The department clarified that the law does not prohibit stopping for this reason; however, violations occur when vehicles stop or park improperly, obstructing traffic or causing accidents.

No penalty for stopping to wear a raincoat if traffic rules are followed

According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, drivers must ensure safety when stopping or parking, avoid obstructing traffic, signal to other vehicles, and follow regulations regarding stopping and parking locations.

Restricted stopping and parking areas include the left side of one-way streets, bridges, underpasses, intersections, pedestrian crossings, bus stops, and locations that obscure traffic signs or signals.

"If a driver stops at any of these prohibited locations, regardless of the reason - including wearing a raincoat - they may be subject to penalties under the law. Decree 168/2024 clearly outlines fines for improper stopping and parking," the traffic police representative stated.

For motorbikes, fines range from 400,000 to 600,000 VND ($16-$24) for stopping in areas that obstruct traffic, such as bus stops, intersections, or pedestrian crossings.

Stopping or parking on bridges incurs a fine of 600,000 to 800,000 VND ($24-$32), while violations in tunnels result in fines between 800,000 and 1 million VND ($32-$40).

The highest fine, between 10 and 14 million VND ($400-$550), only applies to cases where improper stopping or parking directly causes a traffic accident.

Thus, there is no regulation penalizing individuals who stop to wear a raincoat if they follow traffic laws.

The Hanoi Traffic Police urge road users to understand traffic regulations to ensure their safety and that of others, rather than being misled by incomplete or inaccurate information.

Dinh Hieu