The Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security has issued a directive to all provinces and cities, demanding strict enforcement against homemade three- and four-wheeled vehicles and modified agricultural trucks, which have been banned from public roads due to safety risks.

According to officials from the Road and Railway Traffic Control Department (Division 6), local police forces have been ordered to intensify enforcement efforts to prevent accidents and enhance road safety.

Widespread violations despite existing bans

Since August 2024, the Traffic Police Department has implemented a nationwide action plan to eliminate unauthorized vehicles such as three- and four-wheeled homemade vehicles, modified motorcycles towing carts, and unlicensed agricultural vehicles (xe công nông). Local police have been actively enforcing the ban, with 8,719 violations recorded nationwide in the first quarter of 2025, averaging nearly 2,900 cases per month. All confiscated vehicles have been dismantled and destroyed.

Despite these efforts, authorities report that over 85,000 illegal vehicles remain in operation across Vietnam, including 68,000 three-wheeled vehicles and 17,000 four-wheeled homemade vehicles. Additionally, there are 1,054 unauthorized workshops producing these vehicles, further complicating enforcement efforts.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City among worst-affected areas

Hanoi has the highest number of illegal vehicles, with 13,349 unregistered three- and four-wheelers and 11,825 drivers operating them. Ho Chi Minh City follows with 2,519 vehicles and 4,568 drivers.

A major concern is that most drivers of these vehicles are not war veterans or disabled persons, despite initial exceptions considered for these groups.

Authorities report that only 2,816 are war veterans, 1,311 are disabled persons, and 7,181 have other disabilities, while over 151,000 unauthorized operators continue to use these vehicles illegally.

Tackling unauthorized vehicle production and storage

Authorities have identified 134 illegal parking and storage sites for homemade vehicles and are now focusing on shutting down 1,054 unregistered manufacturing workshops. The presence of these illegal production sites has made it challenging to completely eliminate the issue, as new vehicles continue to be introduced onto the streets despite enforcement measures.

Several fatal accidents have reinforced the need for strict enforcement. On March 15, 2025, a motorbike collided with an agricultural truck in Ha Dong District, Hanoi.

The truck crushed the motorbike, causing severe damage, though fortunately, no fatalities were reported. Just two days earlier, on March 13, a three-wheeled vehicle struck a bicycle in La Phu, Hoai Duc District, resulting in the tragic death of a primary school student.

These incidents reflect the serious dangers posed by unregulated vehicles and have prompted renewed calls for urgent enforcement.

The Traffic Police Department has reaffirmed a zero-exemption policy, stating that all unauthorized three- and four-wheeled vehicles will be confiscated and dismantled.

The authorities have stressed that no exceptions will be made, and violators will face strict penalties. In addition to enforcement actions, public awareness campaigns will be strengthened to educate drivers and prevent the illegal manufacture and use of these dangerous vehicles.

Dinh Hieu