Driving in Vietnam
Complete guide for tourists and expats. Learn the road rules, speed limits, and essential information before you drive in Vietnam.
Can You Drive in Vietnam?
Accepted Licenses From
Validity Period: Valid for the duration stated on the IDP, up to a maximum of 3 years or the expiry of your home license (whichever is shorter)
Important Note
Vietnam requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreigners to drive. Vietnam is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so only IDPs issued under this convention are recognized. Tourists from countries that only issue Geneva Convention (1949) IDPs may face difficulties. The IDP must be accompanied by your original home license.
What to Carry in Your Car
Mandatory Items
- Valid driving license (Vietnamese license or IDP — an IDP is required for foreigners)
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Vehicle insurance
- Vehicle inspection certificate
- Helmet (mandatory for motorcycles)
Recommended Items
- Dashcam (strongly recommended due to chaotic traffic and accident disputes)
- GPS/navigation with offline maps
- Warning triangle
Speed Limits
Urban Areas
km/h
Rural Roads
km/h
Highways/Motorways
km/h
Toll Roads
Payment Methods
Average Cost
VND 25,000–210,000 per toll station depending on vehicle type and expressway section
Vietnam's expressway system is expanding rapidly. The VETC (Vietnam Electronic Toll Collection) system using ePass electronic tags is now mandatory on most expressways since 2022. Cash payment lanes have been largely eliminated.
Parking
Line Colors
Parking Tips
- Use guarded parking lots (giữ xe) whenever possible — parking attendants give you a numbered ticket to reclaim your vehicle
- Sidewalk parking is common but technically illegal in many areas — follow what locals do but be prepared for fines
- Hotels and restaurants typically offer free parking for guests and customers
Average Cost: VND 5,000–20,000/hour for motorbikes; VND 20,000–50,000/hour for cars; VND 100,000–300,000/day in parking garages
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- 1Trying to drive like in Western countries — traffic in Vietnam follows an organic flow where motorbikes weave constantly and lane discipline is minimal
- 2Honking aggressively — horns are used constantly in Vietnam as a way to signal presence, not to express anger
- 3Not having a valid IDP — foreign licenses alone are not accepted; you need an IDP based on the 1968 Vienna Convention
- 4Panicking in dense motorbike traffic — maintain a steady speed and direction, and motorbikes will flow around you
- 5Assuming right-of-way at intersections — larger vehicles often take priority in practice
Traffic Fines
Speeding
VND 800,000–1,000,000 for up to 10 km/h over; VND 4,000,000–6,000,000 for 10–20 km/h over; VND 8,000,000–10,000,000 for 20+ km/h over
No Seatbelt
VND 800,000–1,000,000
Phone Use
VND 4,000,000–6,000,000
Red Light
VND 4,000,000–6,000,000
Illegal Parking
VND 300,000–1,000,000 depending on vehicle type and violation
Ready to Drive in Vietnam?
Take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of the road rules.
Emergency Contacts
Police
113
Ambulance
115
Fire
114
Roadside Assistance
No standardized national roadside assistance — contact your rental company or insurance provider; in emergencies, call 113
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Want to Master Vietnam Driving Rules?
Practice with our driving test questions and learn all the rules before you drive.
