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Vietnam Motorcycle Traffic, Crossing the Road, and Rental Guide
In Vietnam, use pedestrian facilities such as crosswalks and traffic lights. If none are available, watch for approaching vehicles and cross while signaling with your hand when it is safe. If you rent a motorbike to ride yourself, bring a valid International Driving Permit and your domestic driving license, and check that your license covers the actual vehicle category. The legal alcohol limit is zero, and you must fasten your helmet strap properly.
At a glance
- Use pedestrian facilities such as crosswalks, traffic lights, footbridges, and underpasses, and follow the signals.
- If there are no facilities, watch for approaching vehicles and cross while signaling with your hand when it is safe.
- To ride yourself, carry a valid International Driving Permit and a domestic license that covers the vehicle category.
- The legal blood and breath alcohol limits for motorbike riders are 0. Fines for drunk riding range from 2,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND, depending on the alcohol level.
- Both riders and passengers must wear helmets and fasten the chin strap.
How should I cross the road in Vietnam?
If you see a pedestrian crossing facility, use it. Follow the signal if there is one. Drivers should watch for pedestrians at crossings and slow down or stop to keep them safe.
Where there are no crossing facilities, watch for approaching vehicles and cross while signaling with your hand when you judge it to be safe. Do not cross over the median.
- Find a crossing facility
Use pedestrian crossing facilities such as crosswalks, traffic lights, footbridges, and underpasses.
- Follow the signals
If there is a traffic light or an on-site instruction, cross according to it.
- Check for traffic when facilities are unavailable
Watch for approaching vehicles and cross while signaling with your hand when you judge it to be safe.
- Avoid the median
Do not cross the road over the median.
What are the fines for crossing the road and motorbike traffic violations?
Pedestrians may be fined 150,000–250,000 VND for crossing where it is not permitted or leaving the designated pedestrian area. Fines for drunk motorbike riding vary according to the blood or breath alcohol level.
| Situation | Fine or standard |
|---|---|
| Crossing where it is not permitted or leaving the designated pedestrian area | 150,000–250,000 VND |
| Motorbike rider blood alcohol concentration of 50 mg/100 mL or less, or breath alcohol concentration of 0.25 mg/L or less | 2,000,000–3,000,000 VND |
| Motorbike rider blood alcohol concentration above 80 mg/100 mL, or breath alcohol concentration above 0.4 mg/L | 8,000,000–10,000,000 VND |
| Rider not wearing a helmet or not fastening the chin strap | 400,000–600,000 VND |
| Carrying a passenger who is not wearing a helmet or has not fastened the chin strap | 400,000–600,000 VND for the rider |
Can I rent and ride a motorbike with my Korean license?
Vietnam recognizes an International Driving Permit, not Korea’s English-language driving license. You may only drive the vehicle categories shown on your permit, and you must carry both the International Driving Permit and a domestic license for that vehicle category.
You may drive for up to 1 year from your date of entry with a valid International Driving Permit. If the permit expires in less than 1 year, you may drive only until its expiry date.
What should I check before renting a motorbike to ride myself?
Before renting, check that your International Driving Permit lists the category of the motorbike you will actually ride. Vietnam’s rules require you to carry a domestic license for that vehicle category even if you have an International Driving Permit.
Check your travel insurance policy to see whether it covers riding a motorbike and which license types it requires. If you have an accident while unlicensed or using a license that does not cover the vehicle category, your claim may be denied or your medical expenses may not be covered.
- Check your International Driving Permit
Bring a valid International Driving Permit, not an English-language driving license.
- Check the vehicle category
Make sure your license covers the category of motorbike you will actually ride.
- Carry your domestic license
Bring a domestic driving license for that vehicle category as well as your International Driving Permit.
- Check your insurance policy
Check whether it covers motorbike riding and which license types the policy requires.
How do I check the helmet and booking details when taking a GrabBike?
GrabBike passengers are subject to the same helmet requirements as other motorbike passengers. Wear a helmet and fasten the chin strap properly.
Before getting on, check that the driver and vehicle plate number match the booking details shown in the app.
- Check the booking details
Check the driver in the app against the person who arrives, and compare the vehicle plate number too.
- Wear a helmet
Get a helmet from the driver, put it on, and fasten the chin strap.
What to do in each situation
- When you see a crosswalk or traffic signal
Use a pedestrian crossing facility and follow the signals.
- When there are no crossing facilities
Watch for approaching vehicles and cross while signaling with your hand when you judge it to be safe.
- When you plan to rent a motorbike and ride yourself
First check the vehicle category on your International Driving Permit, your domestic license for that category, and your insurance policy.
- When traveling after drinking
Do not ride a motorbike yourself. The legal alcohol limit for motorbike riders in Vietnam is 0.
- When taking a GrabBike
Compare the app booking details with the driver and vehicle plate number, and fasten your helmet strap.
Pre-departure checklist
- When crossing the road, check for pedestrian facilities such as crosswalks, traffic lights, footbridges, and underpasses, and follow the signals.
- If there are no facilities, watch for approaching vehicles and signal with your hand when you judge it to be safe.
- If you plan to ride a motorbike yourself, check that you have a valid International Driving Permit, a domestic license for that vehicle category, and the right category listed on your permit.
- Check your travel insurance policy for motorbike coverage and the license types it requires.
- Both riders and passengers should wear helmets and fasten the chin strap.
- Do not ride a motorbike after drinking.
FAQ
Should I raise my hand when crossing the road in Vietnam?
Where there are no crossing facilities, watch for approaching vehicles and cross while signaling with your hand when you judge it to be safe. If there are facilities such as a crosswalk or traffic light, use them and follow the signals.
Can I ride a motorbike in Vietnam with Korea’s English-language driving license?
Vietnam recognizes an International Driving Permit, not Korea’s English-language driving license. You must carry both an International Driving Permit and a domestic license for that vehicle category.
How long can I ride in Vietnam with an International Driving Permit?
You may drive for up to 1 year from your date of entry with a valid International Driving Permit. If the permit has less time remaining, you may drive only until it expires.
What is the alcohol limit for riding a motorbike in Vietnam?
The legal limit is 0. Even with a blood alcohol concentration of 50 mg/100 mL or less or a breath alcohol concentration of 0.25 mg/L or less, motorbike riders can be fined 2,000,000–3,000,000 VND.
Do GrabBike passengers have to wear helmets?
Yes. GrabBike passengers, like other motorbike passengers, must wear a helmet and fasten the chin strap properly.
Are there fines for breaking pedestrian rules in Vietnam?
Pedestrians may be fined 150,000–250,000 VND for violating pedestrian rules, such as crossing where it is not permitted or leaving the designated pedestrian area.
Official sources & check dates
- Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024, No. 36/2024/QH15 · 2026-10-28
- 주베트남 대한민국 대사관: 한-베 국제운전면허 상호인정 협정 안내 · 2026-10-28
- 베트남 정부 포털: 도로교통 질서·안전법 전문 · 2026-10-28
- 베트남 정부 정책 포털: 제재령 168/2024/NĐ-CP 전문 · 2026-10-28
- Decree 168/2024/ND-CP: road traffic penalties · 2026-10-28
- Vietnam Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller · 2026-10-28
- Vietnam Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov · 2026-10-28
- Safety and security - Vietnam travel advice - GOV.UK · 2026-10-28
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Site updated: 2026-10-28