The new traffic regulations in Vietnam have introduced significant penalties for motorbike riders who violate sidewalk usage rules. According to Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, individuals caught riding their motorbikes on sidewalks, a behavior referred to as 'driving on the curb,' can face fines ranging from 4 million VND to 6 million VND.

The specific provision, outlined in Article 7, Clause 7 of the decree, states that fines apply to those who drive against the traffic flow on one-way streets or on sidewalks. This regulation is applicable to motorbike operators and similar vehicles.

However, there are exceptions. Riders who temporarily use the sidewalk to access their homes or offices will not be penalized. In contrast, those who ride along the sidewalk to bypass traffic congestion or shorten their travel distance will still be subject to fines. The presence of heavy traffic does not exempt them from penalties.

In addition to monetary fines, violators will also incur a deduction of 2 points from their driving licenses, as stipulated in Article 7, Clause 13 of the same decree. Each driving license starts with 12 points, and any deductions will be recorded in the traffic management database once the penalty is enforced.

The decree also outlines various penalties for traffic violations, which may include warnings, fines, or confiscation of vehicles used in the offense. Depending on the severity and nature of the violation, additional penalties or remedial measures may apply. For the specific offense of riding on sidewalks, the primary penalties are the monetary fines and the deduction of points from the driving license.