●●●○High· heavy fine / deportation
Driving in Vietnam.
You need a Vietnam-valid licence, a helmet, and zero alcohol — or your insurance is void.
The rule, in plain English
Vietnam joined the 1968 Vienna Convention, so a 1968-convention International Driving Permit is recognised — but the older 1949 Geneva IDP is not. Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a motorbike, and drink-driving is zero-tolerance. Driving a car or a motorbike over 50cc requires the matching licence category.
What's banned vs allowed
A 1968-convention IDP plus your home licence is recognised for tourists.
A 1949 Geneva IDP is NOT valid in Vietnam — many travelers carry the wrong one.
Any alcohol in your blood = illegal to drive, even one beer on a motorbike.
No helmet, or driving a >50cc bike without the right licence, brings fines.
Under-50cc mopeds and e-bikes generally don't need a licence.
How to stay legal
- 1Get a 1968-convention IDP at home before you travel, not the 1949 one.
- 2Wear a fastened helmet every single ride — driver and passenger.
- 3Drink nothing before driving; take Grab or a taxi after any alcohol.
- 4Match the vehicle to your licence — a car needs a car category, a big bike needs A2.
- 5Keep your passport, licence and IDP on you while riding.
If you break this rule
- Drink-driving on a motorbike brings heavy on-the-spot fines plus licence suspension.
- Driving without a valid licence/IDP means fines and a possibly impounded vehicle.
- If you crash without a valid licence, your travel insurance is typically void.
§ Decree 100/2019/NĐ-CP + 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic· Reviewed by lawyers·Verified Jun 2026
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