Vietnam Only Recognizes the 1968 Vienna IDP (2026)

Vietnam’s IDP rule accepts only a 1968 Vienna permit, not any other convention type. A foreign licence works here for 3 months. The blood-alcohol limit is zero, and the minimum driving age is 16.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is zero. You must be at least 16 to drive.

Vietnam drives on the right. If you are arriving from Thailand (which drives on the left), be especially careful during your first hours on the road.

Emergency Numbers in Vietnam

General Emergency: 113 | Police: 113 | Ambulance: 115 | Fire: 114

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Vietnam, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Vietnam

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Vietnam are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 100 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Cambodia (100 km/h).

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in Vietnam vary based on how much you exceed the posted limit. Fines increase sharply for higher violations and may include licence points or driving bans for serious offences.

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited. Hands-free systems are permitted.

Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.

At unmarked intersections, traffic from the right generally has priority unless signs indicate otherwise.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

Vietnam enforces a zero-tolerance drink-driving policy. Any detectable alcohol in your blood while driving is illegal. There is no safe amount — even one drink can put you over the limit. Penalties include heavy fines, licence confiscation, and potential imprisonment.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Due to Vietnam’s tropical climate, winter tyres are not required. Standard tyres suitable for wet and dry conditions are appropriate year-round.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are prohibited in Vietnam.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Vietnam guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Vietnam must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers in Vietnam. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 3 months.

The minimum driving age is 16 years.

IDP required (1968 Vienna Convention only). Foreign licences not directly accepted. Motorbike >50cc needs Vietnamese licence.

Parking and Fuel

Parking in major cities can be limited and expensive. Shopping centres and commercial areas usually have dedicated car parks. Read signs carefully to avoid towing.

Current fuel prices in Vietnam: petrol approximately $0.95/litre, diesel $0.82/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Vietnam has a tropical heat and monsoon rains. The main driving hazard is heavy rainfall — roads can flood quickly and visibility drops sharply during downpours. Reduce speed in rain and avoid crossing flooded sections. Road surfaces may deteriorate during the wet season.

Practical Driving Tips for Vietnam

• Download offline maps of Vietnam before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.