Why Foreigners Often Get Fined When Driving in Vietnam?
Many foreigners believe that having any driving license from their home country is sufficient. In reality, Vietnam applies specific legal requirements to foreigners driving cars or motorbikes.
Traffic penalties are often imposed not because of reckless driving, but due to missing or invalid documents during roadside checks.
Understanding this correctly can help foreigners avoid fines, vehicle confiscation, or insurance issues.
Essential Documents Foreigners Need to Drive Legally in Vietnam
1. A Valid Driving License Recognized in Vietnam
This is the most common area of confusion. Foreigners may drive legally in Vietnam only if they hold:
-
A Vietnamese driving license, or
- A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, together with the original national driving license
⚠️ Important:
- IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are not legally recognized in Vietnam.
- Digital or unofficial licenses are not accepted during traffic inspections.
2. Passport and Valid Visa / Residence Status
Foreign drivers must carry:
- Passport (or a certified copy, in practice)
- Valid visa, temporary residence card, or work permit–related residence status
Traffic police may check whether the driver’s immigration status aligns with their stay in Vietnam.
3. Vehicle Registration (Blue Card)
Whether driving:
- Your own vehicle, or
- A borrowed or company-owned vehicle
You must carry the original vehicle registration certificate.
Driving without proper registration can lead to:
- Administrative fines
- Temporary vehicle seizure
4. Mandatory Civil Liability Insurance
Vietnamese law requires civil liability insurance for all vehicles.
Foreign drivers must ensure:
- Insurance is valid
- Insurance covers the specific vehicle being driven
Lack of insurance may affect not only fines but also liability exposure in case of an accident.
5. Additional Documents (Depending on Situation)
Depending on the case, traffic police may request:
- Vehicle inspection certificate (for cars)
- Authorization letter if driving someone else’s vehicle
- Vietnamese driving license conversion confirmation (if applicable)
Common Legal Mistakes Foreigners Make
❌ Assuming an IDP Is Always Valid
Many IDPs are legally invalid in Vietnam due to treaty differences.
❌ Driving Motorbikes Without the Correct License Class
Motorbike engine capacity matters. A license valid for small scooters may not cover larger bikes.
❌ Not Converting a Driving License When Long-Term Resident
Foreigners living long-term in Vietnam are often expected to convert their license rather than rely indefinitely on an IDP.
Penalties for Missing or Invalid Documents
Foreigners caught driving without proper documents may face:
Legal Insight: When Conversion of Driving License Is Advisable?
From a legal compliance perspective, foreigners who:
- Live in Vietnam long-term
- Hold work permits or residence cards
- Regularly drive for business or personal use
📞 Contact DHH Law Firm Today
Not sure whether your driving license is valid in Vietnam?
Before driving — or before converting your license — consult a lawyer to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary penalties.
👉 Contact DHH LAW FIRM for legal advice on driving license validity and compliance for foreigners in Vietnam.
🏢 Main Office: 2nd Floor, 829 Huynh Tan Phat Street, Phu Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📞 Hotline: +84 89 9352 777 (VN) | +84 89 9351 777 (ENG)
🌐 Website: www.dhhlawfirm.vn
📧 Email: contact@dhhlawfirm.vn
✨ DHH Law Firm – Your trusted legal partner for family and foreign-related civil procedures in Vietnam.
