Starting Jan. 1, motorcyclists who fail to adhere to traffic lights or ride on sidewalks now face fines of VND4-6 million (US$157-236), a 10-fold increase from the previous penalty. The fine for running red lights is VND18-20 million (US$707-785) for car drivers.
According to Tuoi Tre newspaper, some individuals have expressed online that they would prefer not to give way to emergency vehicles if doing so might result in breaking other traffic rules:
“It is better to be fined VND6-8 million for not yielding the road than to lose VND20 million.”
“Who will pay the VND20 million if a taxi driver were to receive the fine while yielding to ambulances? How can you blame them?”
“If it were me, I would not yield either.”
“I understand because I have been in that situation and got fined. I have a dash cam, but when I received the fine notice, it had been too long and the data had been overwritten, so I had nothing to prove.”
“I did not yield the road to the ambulance because I knew such a movement could be recorded and I could be fined. VND20 million is the equivalent of two months’ expenses for a family.”
However, the majority of netizens disagreed with these opinions:
“Watching videos of ambulances with their sirens on, trying desperately to get through traffic, is heartbreaking. The patient in the ambulance is fighting for their life, while those outside ignore them because of VND6 million.”
“The fine for not yielding to ambulances or fire trucks should be increased.”
“In fact, it is simple to solve if they invest in a dash cam. When contesting the fine, the dash cam footage of the car serves as proof. Not having a dash cam only hurt you. And if people continue to not yield way, the fine for not this violation will eventually be raised.”
“Perhaps people do not know that the Penal Code also has penalties for obstructing an ambulance, with fines higher than VND20 million, and it could even lead to imprisonment.”
“Those who do not yield to ambulances for fear of fines should have their driver’s licenses revoked.”
So what is your view on this topic?
*The comments were translated into English with the assistance of AI. The above comments are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.
