International motorcycle licenses accepted in Vietnam
Travelling around Ha Giang Loop on a motorcycle is quite an adventure, and you’ll see that it’s nothing like doing it in a big city like Madrid or Barcelona. It doesn’t matter how well-trained you are on the road because here everything is unpredictable. As Alicia Sornosa explains, equipping yourself properly is the first thing you should keep in mind: wear a full-face helmet and, if possible, avoid Vietnamese helmets because they are not approved and can break if you fall. Taking into account the weather is also a key point when it comes to equipment. In Ha Giang it is colder, especially in winter, so you should always bring warm clothing. Therefore, “you should wear summer clothes, but always with a raincoat, because a storm can hit you at any time. Of course, you should not forget gloves, trousers and boots that cover your ankles.”
As of January 1, 2025, Vietnam has implemented several updates to its motorcycle regulations to enhance road safety and environmental standards. Here’s what you need to know:
Driver’s License Categories
- Category A1: Permits operation of two-wheeled motorcycles with engine capacities up to 125 cc or electric motor power up to 11 kW.
- Category A: Allows operation of two-wheeled motorcycles with engine capacities over 125 cc or electric motor power over 11 kW, including vehicles specified for Category A1.
The IDP (International Driving Permit) is officially recognized under the 1949 Geneva Convention on International Driving Permits. It allows drivers to operate vehicles in countries that are signatories to the convention.
However, Vietnam only accepts the 1968 Vienna Convention on Driving Permits, so be sure to have the correct one.
When applying for an IDP, ensure that it includes your motorcycle license if you plan to drive a motorcycle in Vietnam, especially for activities like the Ha Giang Loop, where there are many checkpoints verifying motorcycle licenses.
Traffic Violations and Fines in Vietnam (2025 Update)
- Ignoring Traffic Signals
- Fine (Decree 100 & 123): 800,000 – 1,000,000 VND
- Fine (Decree 168): 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 VND (4 points deducted)
- Alcohol in Blood or Breath (Below 80 mg/100 ml or 0.25 mg/L)
- Fine (Decree 100 & 123): 4,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND
- Fine (Decree 168): 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND (10 points deducted)
- Alcohol in Blood or Breath (Above 80 mg/100 ml or 0.4 mg/L)
- Fine (Decree 100): 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND
- Fine (Decree 168): 8,000,000 – 10,000,000 VND
- Additional Penalty: License suspension (22-24 months)
- Exceeding Speed Limits by Over 20 km/h
- Fine (Decree 100): 4,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND
- Fine (Decree 168): 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND (4 points deducted)
- Driving motorcycles on Highways
- Fine (Decree 100): 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND
- Fine (Decree 168): 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 VND (6 points deducted)
- Driving in the Wrong Direction on a One-Way Street
- Fine (Decree 100 & 123): 1,000,000 – 2,000,000 VND
- Fine (Decree 168): 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 VND (2 points deducted)
- Reckless Driving (Zigzagging)
- Fine (Decree 100): 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND
- Fine (Decree 168): 8,000,000 – 10,000,000 VND
- Additional Penalty: License suspension (10-12 months)
- Hit-and-Run or Failing to Assist in Traffic Accidents
- Fine (Decree 100): 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND
- Fine (Decree 168): 8,000,000 – 10,000,000 VND
- Additional Penalty: 6 points deducted
Especially if you do not have an international motorcycle driver’s license while driving in Vietnam, you will face a fine ranging from 4,000,000 VND to 6,000,000 VND. Additionally, 6 points will be deducted from the driver’s license.
