Following the landmark passage of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024, Vietnam is entering a new era of strict enforcement. While most core regulations and the revamped "12-point" license system take effect in 2025, several critical mandates which most notably regarding child passenger safety and new driver's license models are set to become official in 2026. These laws aim to align Vietnam with international safety standards, such as the Vienna Convention, while drastically increasing penalties for high-risk behaviors.
The New Child Safety Mandate (July 1, 2026)
Perhaps the most humane and significant change arriving in 2026 is the regulation regarding child passengers in private cars. This rule aims to minimize injuries in the event of airbag deployment or sudden braking.
- Age and Height Criteria: Children under 10 years old and under 1.35 meters tall are subject to this regulation.
- Front Seat Ban: It is strictly prohibited for children in this category to sit in the front passenger row (next to the driver), except in vehicles that only have one row of seats.
- Safety Devices Required: Drivers must use and instruct the use of suitable child safety devices (child seats, booster seats, or specialized belts).
- Commercial Exemptions: To reflect urban transport realities, commercial vehicles like taxis, buses, and ride-hailing services are currently exempt from this mandate.
- Penalties: Violations can result in fines ranging from VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000.
The 2026 Driver’s License Model
Starting January 1, 2026, Vietnam will transition to a completely new physical driver's license model designed for better international integration and durability.
- Global Standard: The new model is fully legalized according to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, making it more widely recognized abroad.
- Visual Changes: The license will feature a pink pattern, and the QR code will be relocated to the top right corner on the back.
- 15 License Classes: The new system classifies licenses into 15 distinct categories (A, A1, B, B1, C, C1, D, D1, D2, BE, C1E, CE, DE, D1E, D2E).
- Transitional Note: Licenses issued before 2025 remain valid until their expiration date, but drivers are encouraged to exchange them for the new model to enjoy better VNeID integration.
Safe School Transport (January 1, 2026)
New standards for school buses and vehicles transporting young students will reach full enforcement at the start of 2026.
- Age-Appropriate Fittings: Vehicles transporting kindergarten and primary school students must be equipped with seat belts and seats appropriate for the child's age.
- Child Abandonment Alerts: School buses must be fitted with alarm devices to prevent children from being accidentally left on board—a response to several tragic incidents in recent years.
- Visual Monitoring: Cameras must be installed to record images of children and pupils on board throughout the journey.
Stricter Enforcement & The "12-Point" System
While the 12-point license system begins in 2025, 2026 will be the first full year of its data-driven impact.
- Point Deduction: Every driver starts with 12 points. Violations result in automatic deductions (from 2 to 10 points). If a license hits zero points, it loses its validity immediately, and the driver must undergo a re-test after a mandatory waiting period.
Steeper Fines: Under Decree 168/2024, fines for serious violations have skyrocketed. For example:
- Running a Red Light: Up to VND 20 million ($800).
- Opening a Car Door Unsafely: Up to VND 22 million ($860).
- Extreme Speeding/Reckless Chasing: Up to VND 50 million ($2,000).
- Zero Alcohol Tolerance: Vietnam continues its absolute "zero tolerance" policy for any alcohol concentration in the blood or breath while driving.
Emission Standards Roadmap
March 1, 2026, marks a major milestone in Vietnam's "green" transition for the transport sector.
- Stricter Testing: A new roadmap for national technical standards on vehicle emissions will apply.
- Older Vehicles: Vehicles manufactured before 1999 must meet Level 1 standards, while those from 2022 onwards must immediately meet Level 4.
- City Focus: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will implement even stricter timelines to reduce urban air pollution.
The 2026 changes represent a firm step toward professionalizing Vietnam's traffic environment. Drivers are encouraged to proactively update their vehicles and safety equipment to avoid heavy penalties and ensure the safety of the community.