Traffic police pull over a truck due to suspected overloading. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội's authorities are seeking public feedback on a draft resolution that would increase traffic violation penalties by between one and a half and double the current levels outlined in Decree 168, with maximum fines for certain offences reaching up to VNĐ120 million ($4,800). 

The proposal targets five violations deemed critical to infrastructure preservation, including operating vehicles exceeding road weight limits by over 20 per cent. Officials argue such violations accelerate road deterioration, costing billions of đồng in repairs.

"Overloading directly damages road quality and public safety. Stronger penalties are necessary to deter reckless behaviour," the draft states.

However, the plan faces pushback from drivers like Trần Văn Mạnh, a Hà Nội truck operator, who called existing fines under Decree 168 sufficient.

"Higher fines will only add stress. Authorities should instead invest in better infrastructure and install more automated surveillance cameras to prevent violations," he said.

Nguyễn Văn Thanh, former Chairman of the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association, supported stricter fines for infrastructure-related offences but cautioned against an across-the-board approach. 

The draft resolution proposes hikes for 107 violations, which Thanh called excessive.

"Focus on 50 serious violations, such as overloading, speeding and drunk driving. Expanding beyond that risks overreach," he advised.

Thanh also cited Thailand’s approach, where overloading is treated as criminal property damage, not merely a traffic offence. "Severe penalties have been effective there for decades," he noted. — VNS