In Vietnam, a surprising number of drivers are being fined for not having a valid driver's license, despite having one that is temporarily held by the traffic police. This issue has come to light through various cases where drivers continued to operate vehicles without resolving prior traffic violations that led to their licenses being confiscated.

For instance, a truck driver had his license held by the police for nearly six months due to a previous infraction. Instead of addressing the violation, he continued to drive, believing that his previously issued license would protect him from penalties. However, when stopped by traffic police, he was fined for not having a valid license.

Similarly, another driver of a cement truck was found in a comparable situation. His license was also held due to a prior violation, and despite being aware of the situation, he continued to drive without resolving the matter. Both drivers faced fines of approximately 19 million VND, and their vehicles were temporarily seized. The companies that owned the vehicles were also penalized for allowing unqualified drivers to operate their vehicles.

Traffic police have emphasized the importance of understanding that a temporary hold on a driver's license does not permit continued driving. Many drivers mistakenly believe that as long as they have a license, they can operate vehicles, but this is not the case if the license is being held due to a violation.

According to regulations, when a driver's license is confiscated, the police issue a temporary document allowing the driver to operate a vehicle for a limited time. However, once this time expires, the document is no longer valid, and continuing to drive can result in further penalties.

Traffic police advise drivers to promptly resolve any violations and to keep track of deadlines for resolving issues related to their licenses. Failure to do so not only results in fines for the drivers but can also lead to significant penalties for the companies that employ them.

In summary, it is crucial for drivers in Vietnam to be aware of their legal responsibilities and to act promptly in resolving any issues related to their driver's licenses to avoid unnecessary penalties.