Is Radar Detectors Legal in Vietnam After the 2026 Policy Reforms?

No, radar detectors are illegal in Vietnam under the 2008 Law on Road Traffic and its 2026 amendments, which classify them as prohibited devices for interfering with traffic enforcement technology. The Directorate for Roads of Vietnam (DRVN) and the Ministry of Public Security enforce these restrictions, with penalties including fines up to 8 million VND (≈$340) and confiscation. Importation without approval from the Ministry of Information and Communications is also prohibited.


Key Regulations for Radar Detectors in Vietnam

  • Prohibition under Traffic Law: Decree 100/2019/ND-CP and subsequent 2026 updates explicitly ban radar detectors, classifying them as devices that obstruct lawful traffic monitoring.
  • Enforcement by DRVN and MPS: The Directorate for Roads of Vietnam (DRVN) and Ministry of Public Security (MPS) conduct roadside checks, particularly in high-traffic zones like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Import Restrictions: Importers must secure a license from the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), as radar detectors fall under radio frequency interference regulations (Circular 24/2017/TT-BTTTT).