Yes, driving with interior lights on is not explicitly prohibited under Vietnam’s current traffic regulations, but operational ambiguity persists under local enforcement practices.
Under Vietnam’s 2026 Road Traffic Law amendments, interior lighting remains unaddressed in the Penal Code, yet the Ministry of Public Security’s Circular 31/2023/TT-BCA empowers traffic officers to penalize drivers for “distracting visibility” under Article 5(1). Courts in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have upheld fines up to 2 million VND for interior light use deemed to impair driver attention, citing Decree 100/2019/ND-CP’s general safety provisions. Motorcycles and cars alike face scrutiny, particularly in urban zones where traffic police enforce subjective interpretations of “safe operation.”
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Vietnam
- Visibility Impairment Clause: Article 5(1) of Circular 31/2023/TT-BCA allows penalties if interior lights reduce the driver’s field of vision or distract other road users.
- Urban Enforcement Priority: Traffic police in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City actively issue warnings or fines (typically 400,000–2 million VND) during nighttime patrols, citing Decree 100/2019/ND-CP.
- Motorcycle-Specific Risks: Riders face higher scrutiny due to limited cabin space; interior lights are often flagged under “obstructive lighting” in local traffic ordinances.