The Ministry of Public Security has put forth a proposal to empower commune police chiefs to impose fines for nine types of vehicle registration violations. This initiative, part of the third draft of a decree amending Decree 168/2024, follows public consultation in April.
Currently, authority to fine these nine vehicle registration violations rests with traffic police and chairpersons of People's Committees at various levels. The penalties range from 800,000 to 6 million VND for individuals, with organizations facing double these amounts. The new draft suggests including commune police chiefs as a third group authorized to enforce these penalties. This means the fine amounts will remain unchanged; only the enforcement authority will expand.
The nine vehicle registration violations, as outlined in Article 32 of Decree 168/2024, include:
- Failing to complete procedures for vehicle registration certificates or license plates when ownership changes.
- Making false declarations or using fake documents to obtain re-issued license plates, vehicle registration, or inspection certificates, provided such actions do not constitute criminal offenses.
- Failing to complete procedures for the revocation of registration certificates and license plates.
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A flood-damaged oto being transferred to a repair garage by a tow truck. Photo: Vo Thanh |
**Crackdown on tow truck misuse**
The Ministry of Public Security notes that after one year of implementing Decree 168/2025, some organizations and individuals have exploited loopholes and intentionally committed violations. Therefore, the ministry deems it necessary to add corresponding acts and penalties to the decree.
The current draft introduces penalties for exploiting tow trucks to transport or tow new, large vehicles, which poses traffic safety risks. A fine of 5-10 million VND is proposed for tow trucks that exceed permissible weight limits or transport/tow vehicles that are not damaged or experiencing incidents. Additionally, drivers will have two points deducted from their driving license.
The Road Traffic Order and Safety Law defines a tow truck as a specialized oto equipped with tools and devices for rescuing, assisting in movement, or transporting damaged or incident road vehicles. These vehicles must have clear identification, display relevant information, and be fitted with journey monitoring devices and driver image recording equipment. Tow trucks must also adhere to regulations concerning the weight of goods transported by the tow truck and the weight of the vehicle being towed. The law strictly prohibits the use of tow trucks for commercial goods transport.
The draft amendment to Decree 168/2025 is expected to be submitted to the Government this month.
Hai Thu
