On 30/6, a representative from the Traffic Police Department (Cuc CSGT), under the Ministry of Public Security, announced that the Government issued Decree 238. This decree amends and supplements Decree 168, which governs administrative penalties for road traffic safety violations, including driver's license point deductions and restorations.

Decree 238 introduces stricter regulations concerning the installation, management, and data transmission from tracking devices and image recording devices.

Under the new decree, drivers or transport businesses that fail to install these devices, operate them improperly, or falsify data will face severe penalties. Specifically, operating a vehicle without required surveillance cameras will result in fines ranging from 5-6 million dong for individuals and 10-12 million dong for vehicle-owning organizations.

The enforcement timeline for these penalties is divided into two stages. From 1/1/2028, penalties will apply to violations involving driver surveillance cameras in commercial passenger vehicles with under eight seats, commercial cargo vehicles (excluding tractor-trailers), and internal transport vehicles.

From 1/1/2029, penalties will extend to violations related to passenger compartment surveillance cameras.

Authorities will strictly penalize commercial passenger vehicles that fail to install driver surveillance cameras starting in 2028. *Photo: Cuc CSGT*

Furthermore, Decree 238 further strengthens the management of contract passenger transport activities.

Picking up and dropping off passengers at headquarters, branches, representative offices, or other unauthorized locations will face severe penalties. A new fine of 12-14 million dong will be imposed on drivers of non-commercial vehicles who transport paying passengers or confirm bookings for individual passengers outside of a signed transport contract. This provision aims to curb illegal private transport services, which contribute to traffic disorder and safety risks.

Notably, to align with the Law on Handling Administrative Violations (amended) 2025, Decree 238 also redefines the penalty authority for various officials. It clearly delineates the Traffic Police force's authority to penalize violations related to driving tests and driver's license issuance, following the Ministry of Public Security's assumption of state management duties in this sector.

Commune-level police are now empowered to penalize vehicle registration violations, consistent with the current practice of vehicle registration at the commune level.

The maximum fine within the authority of a Commune-level People's Committee Chairman is 37,5 million dong, while a Provincial-level People's Committee Chairman can impose fines up to 75 million dong. Within the police force, Provincial Police Directors and the Director of the Traffic Police Department also possess the authority to levy fines up to 75 million dong.

Decree 238 will take effect from 15/8/2026.

Viet An