The driver of a Ford Territory, stopped by traffic police on national highway 32 for a mud-covered license plate, paid a 23 million dong fine on 27/1. He admitted to driving the seven-seater vehicle to Thanh Hoa four days prior. Rain and dirty roads caused mud to splatter onto the vehicle. Upon returning to Ha Noi, he knew the vehicle's license plate was completely covered in mud. Due to work commitments, he had not yet washed the car.

The driver was aware his license plate was covered in mud. As a licensed driver, he should also know that license plates must not be obscured. This is a basic law, not a complex matter. Knowing it was against the law and still driving warrants the fine, leaving no room for excuses.

Screenshot from video.

Car drivers may seem unfamiliar with cleaning a license plate while the rest of the vehicle is dirty, but truck drivers are quite accustomed to this practice. They clean not only the rear license plate but also the sides of the vehicle. The reasoning is simple: the law stipulates that license plates must not be covered; if mud covers it, one simply cleans it.

Some might ask, "If driving on dirty roads or highways, where does one stop to clean?" These are specious questions. First, highways are generally clean; even in rain, mud accumulation is minimal and does not require cleaning. Second, if a highway is under repair with mud, or if a vehicle drives onto a muddy road, the solution is simple: after exiting the highway or the muddy section, drivers should check their vehicle. If dirty, lightly wipe the license plate and reverse camera. This addresses two tasks at once, effortlessly and safely.

Even when driving on very dirty, rainy roads with a covered license plate, traffic police would not issue a fine immediately if the vehicle is soaking wet with mud, as that constitutes an ongoing situation. Note that the vehicle in this incident had not been washed for four days and was completely dry when stopped.

The crucial issue here is not how to deal with a mud-splattered license plate, but rather the awareness of preventing license plates from being obscured. If one considers the license plate as the "face" of the vehicle, then that "face" should never be dirty.

I find the 20-26 million dong fine for a mud-covered license plate somewhat excessive. In most cases, there is no initial intent to obscure the plate, unlike using tape or a mask. I believe a 4-6 million dong fine would be more reasonable. What do you think is a suitable penalty?

Reader Vu Vu