Yes, dashcams are legal in Vietnam but subject to strict privacy and traffic regulations enforced by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam (DRV). While no explicit nationwide ban exists, compliance with data protection laws and traffic safety rules is mandatory. Recent 2026 amendments to Decree 10/2020/ND-CP tighten restrictions on continuous recording without consent, particularly in urban zones.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Vietnam
- Privacy Violations Prohibited: Under Article 21 of the 2015 Civil Code and Decree 52/2022/ND-CP on cybersecurity, dashcams must not record audio or video of individuals without explicit consent in private spaces (e.g., residential areas). Violations risk fines up to ₫50 million (≈$2,100) or criminal liability under Article 155 of the Penal Code for “illegal collection of personal data.”
- Traffic Safety Compliance: DRV’s 2023 Circular 35/2023/TT-BGTVT mandates dashcams must not obstruct driver visibility or interfere with vehicle controls. Mounting must adhere to UNECE R43 standards, with adhesive mounts prohibited on windshields in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City per local ordinances.
- Data Retention Limits: Decree 10/2020/ND-CP (amended 2026) requires dashcam footage to be deleted within 30 days unless used for legal disputes or traffic violations. Storage on cloud servers must comply with Vietnam’s 2018 Cybersecurity Law, mandating local data hosting and MPS-approved encryption.