On 13/5, Highway Traffic Police Team No. 6 (Department 6 - Traffic Police Department, Ministry of Public Security) stopped a Hung Yen-registered truck on the Cam Lam - Vinh Hao expressway. They discovered the 39-year-old driver did not have a driver's license and had illegally installed additional front lights.

Authorities inspect a truck on the Cam Lam - Vinh Hao expressway. *Photo: Traffic Police Department*

For these violations, under Decree 168/2024, traffic police issued a fine of 20,5 million VND to the driver: 19 million VND for driving without a license and 1,5 million VND for installing additional front lights. Meanwhile, the vehicle owner, a transportation company, was fined 58 million VND for entrusting the vehicle to an unqualified driver.

The combined fine for the driver and owner totaled 78,5 million VND. The offending vehicle was impounded for 7 days, and its operating permit was revoked for hai months.

Common violations among trucks in Vietnam include installing led light bars, modified headlights, underbody lights for increased brightness, and air horns. These modifications often cause glare for oncoming drivers, leading to temporary blindness from headlights. Additionally, loud horns can startle road users, sometimes causing motorcycle accidents.

The Traffic Police Department warns that unauthorized installation of additional front lights on vehicles, especially when driving on expressways, poses several risks. Beyond potential electrical short circuits and fires, which endanger the driver and other road users, these lights also cause glare for oncoming traffic, significantly increasing the risk of traffic accidents.

Bui Toan