Vietnam Traffic Police clarifies fines for 16‑18‑year‑old riders

Rumors spread on online platforms claimed that, starting 15 August 2026, anyone aged 16 to under 18 would be fined up to 600,000 VND for riding any motorbike. The Vietnam Traffic Police (CSGT) refuted the claim, stating the information is inaccurate. Under Decree 238/2026, which amends Decree 168, the penalty of 400,000–600,000 VND applies only to persons aged 16 to under 18 who operate motorcycles (xe mô tô) or vehicles classified as similar to motorcycles. The decree does not target all two‑ or three‑wheel motorised vehicles, commonly called “xe máy” in everyday language. According to the Road Safety Law, a motorcycle is a vehicle with an engine that is not a “xe gắn máy”, while a “xe gắn máy” is defined by a maximum design speed of 50 km/h, engine displacement of 50 cm³ or electric power not exceeding 4 kW. Persons aged 16 and above are permitted to ride “xe gắn máy”. CSGT emphasised that the new rule does not prohibit youths from riding standard mopeds or low‑power bikes, and urged the public to distinguish between the vehicle categories.