Vietnam Traffic Fines 2026: Updated Penalties And New Rules To Know
In 2026, the biggest driver facing change is child passenger safety on private cars, with an updated effective date of July 1, 2026 and exemptions for commercial passenger vehicles such as taxis and buses. Vietnam also continues enforcing the Decree 168/2024/ND CP penalty framework and the driver license point deduction and reinstatement system that has been effective since 2025.
1) What “new traffic rules in 2026” actually means
Many people search for “Vietnam traffic rules 2026” as if there is one brand new law starting that year. In reality, most changes come from laws and decrees issued earlier, but some provisions start being enforced in 2026 or have updated timelines.
The core penalty framework drivers will keep seeing is Decree 168/2024/ND CP, which sets administrative fines and also regulates deduction and reinstatement of driver license points.
The most important 2026 update to watch is child passenger safety, because the effective timeline has recently been adjusted to July 1, 2026.
2) The biggest 2026 change: child passenger safety on cars
Who is covered
The rule focuses on children: Under 10 years old and under 1.35 meters tall.
What drivers must do
When carrying a child in this group on a car:
• Do not place the child in the same seating row as the driver, unless the vehicle has only one row of seats
• Use and guide the use of a suitable child safety device.
This matches what many Vietnamese auto communities have been discussing, including practical device types such as child seats, boosters, cushions, or dedicated belts.
Updated timeline you should follow
Earlier summaries commonly mentioned enforcement from January 1, 2026. However, the latest update is that the amended law takes effect on July 1, 2026 for this requirement.
Important exemptions
Commercial passenger vehicles are exempt from the child seat mandate, including taxis and buses, under the amended rule.
Penalty level drivers are watching
A commonly cited fine range for violating the child seating and child safety device requirement is VND 800,000 to 1,000,000 under Decree 168 related guidance.
3) School transport in 2026: seat belts and age appropriate seats
If a vehicle is used to transport kindergarten children or primary school students, enforcement is expected from January 1, 2026 for missing:
• Age appropriate seat belts
• Age appropriate seats
A referenced fine level for drivers in this category is VND 1,000,000 to 2,000,000.
Practical checklist for operators and schools
Confirm every seat has a belt that fits the child’s age group
Prepare age appropriate seating arrangements
Add a simple pre trip check so the driver can prove compliance if stopped
4) Do not ignore this in 2026: driver license point deduction
Vietnam’s current enforcement approach is not only about paying a fine. Decree 168 also covers driver license point deduction and reinstatement, which means repeated violations can affect your ability to drive even if each fine feels manageable.
A simple habit that helps in 2026
• Treat every fine as “fine plus points risk”
• Track violations carefully, especially for speeding and high risk behaviors
• Build a personal checklist before long trips
5) Quick compliance checklist for drivers in 2026
Child passengers
• If the child is under 10 and under 1.35 m, do not seat them in the driver row
• Prepare a suitable child safety device before July 1, 2026
• Know the exemption rules if you use taxis or buses.
School transport:
• Ensure age appropriate belts and seats are available before January 1, 2026
Points
• Drive as if every violation can reduce your license points, because it can
FAQ
Q1. When do the child safety device rules take effect in Vietnam?
A: The amended timeline widely reported is July 1, 2026, with exemptions for commercial passenger vehicles such as taxis and buses.
Q2. Are taxis and ride hailing cars required to install child seats?
A: Under the amended rule, commercial passenger vehicles including taxis and buses are exempt from the child seat mandate.
Q3. What is the fine range people mention for child seating and child safety device violations?
A: Many summaries reference VND 800,000 to 1,000,000 under Decree 168 related enforcement guidance.
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