Traffic in Vietnam has distinctive characteristics that may surprise first-time drivers in the country. Motorcycles and scooters are the primary mode of transport, creating dense and dynamic traffic flow. Vehicle streams often merge, drivers actively maneuver, and interactions between road users rely more on attentiveness and mutual awareness than strict adherence to formal rules.
Official traffic regulations largely align with international standards, but local driving style is relatively flexible. Tourists in rental cars should remain calm, carefully observe traffic conditions, and navigate based on rules, road signs, and the behavior of other road users.
Vietnam follows right-hand traffic, though you'll often see a more flexible driving style, particularly among motorcyclists. Two-wheeled vehicles dominate the roads, and their maneuvers can appear unpredictable: riders may change lanes in dense traffic, move closer to the shoulder, or navigate through free spaces to bypass congestion.
Traffic lights, road signs, and lane markings are present throughout, though local drivers frequently don't follow them strictly. As a tourist driver, you should adhere to official rules and rely on infrastructure — this helps you adapt faster and drive with greater confidence.
Horn use in Vietnam is an essential element of road communication. A quick honk signals your presence and warns of upcoming maneuvers — turns, lane changes, pulling out from parking spots or driveways.
This helps other drivers react quickly and maintains traffic flow. While technically prohibited at night, horns remain widely used in practice.
Speed limits in Vietnam depend on road type and traffic conditions:
We recommend following road signs — they appear regularly and help maintain a safe driving pace.
Speed cameras aren't installed everywhere yet, but mobile police checkpoints conduct spot checks. These typically appear on straight, open stretches where traffic moves more freely. Northern regions (Hanoi, Haiphong, Quang Ninh) have more cameras than central and southern areas.
Vietnamese roads are categorized as national, urban, and rural.
National highways offer the most comfortable driving experience: good pavement, clear markings, and regular signage.
Urban roads feature dense traffic and numerous motorcycles, making movement dynamic and requiring heightened attention.
Rural routes can be simple and quiet, though some sections lack pavement or markings.
Pay attention to signs warning of road narrowing: wide highways can suddenly transition to single lanes, so it's best to reduce speed slightly.
Streets and highways in all major cities and resorts have adequate markings and road signs. Even when surrounding drivers sometimes ignore them, tourists should navigate by official indicators — this maintains predictability and confidence.
By law, seatbelts must be worn by the driver and front passenger. While local drivers often approach this requirement casually, we strongly recommend foreigners comply with regulations — it's a matter of safety and proper road conduct.
Children under 10 years old and shorter than 1.35 meters must be transported in the rear seat using an appropriate child restraint system.
Vietnamese police monitor standard violations: speeding, running red lights, driving in oncoming lanes, and phone use while driving. Checks may be random and conducted on various road sections — especially where traffic becomes faster and more open.
A specific rule concerns alcohol: the permissible level is zero. Even minimal content can result in fines, so it's best to completely avoid drinks containing alcohol, including certain syrups and "non-alcoholic" beer.
Vietnam imposes monetary fines and deducts points from driver's licenses for traffic violations. This applies to both locals and tourists renting cars or motorcycles.
Fines depend on violation type: more serious violations carry higher amounts. Points may be deducted simultaneously. If points are exhausted, drivers must undergo retesting to restore their license. This rarely affects tourists.
Approximate Traffic Violation Fines
Violation | Approximate Fine (VND) | Approximate Fine (USD) |
Speeding up to 5–10 km/h | 800,000–1,000,000 VND | $30–38 |
Speeding 10–20 km/h | 4,000,000–6,000,000 VND | $153–230 |
Speeding 20–35 km/h | 6,000,000–8,000,000 VND | $230–306 |
Speeding over 35 km/h | 12,000,000–14,000,000 VND | $460–537 |
Running a red light | 18,000,000–20,000,000 VND | $690–767 |
Unbuckled seatbelt, improper child transport | 800,000–1,000,000 VND | $30–38 |
Phone use while driving | 4,000,000–6,000,000 VND | $153–230 |
Driving in oncoming lane or prohibited direction | 18,000,000–20,000,000 VND | $690–767 |
Alcohol up to 0.4 mg/L | 18,000,000–20,000,000 VND | $690–767 |
Alcohol over 0.4 mg/L | 30,000,000–40,000,000 VND | $1,150–1,534 |
If stopped, simply provide your documents calmly: driver's license, passport, and rental agreement. In most cases, interactions are quick and professional.
Fines are sometimes offered for on-the-spot payment — this is common practice for minor violations. This option resolves the matter without lengthy formalities, though you can request official processing if preferred.
The main recommendation for drivers: maintain a calm pace and follow the general traffic logic. The local rhythm may seem chaotic, but an unspoken system of mutual awareness operates within the flow. Moving predictably, avoiding excessive speed, and following basic rules makes adaptation quick.
Try to match the traffic flow, but don't copy motorcyclist maneuvers or ignore lane markings and traffic signals.
On the road, avoid conflicts and don't attempt to prove you're right: calm driving manner and respect for other road users are valued here.
Before any maneuver — turning, changing lanes, or pulling out — ensure the space is clear. Pay particular attention to motorcycles and scooters: they can appear beside you from virtually any direction.
Traffic in Vietnam has its own character and rhythm that tourists quickly adapt to. A rental car opens numerous possibilities: convenient travel between attractions, exploring natural locations, visiting small towns and beaches.
Drive calmly, monitor your surroundings, and respect local driving customs. After a brief adaptation period, traffic becomes more understandable and trips become comfortable and enjoyable.