Hanoi Truck License Plate Fines: 2023 Update

The other day, while enjoying a coffee at a street-side cafe, I bumped into an old friend – Tuan, who owns a construction material business on Nguyen Trai Street. After chatting for a while, he exclaimed, “Man, I got a hefty fine the other day because my truck’s license plate was too faded! Cost me a few million!”. Apparently, he was transporting goods from Hoai Duc to a construction site in Cau Giay, driving along Lang Street when a traffic officer pulled him over. The violation? His truck’s license plate was faded and illegible.

Tuan’s story reminded me of the Vietnamese belief in feng shui, emphasizing the importance of clear and visible license plates for smooth journeys and prosperous businesses. A faded license plate, according to folklore, can bring bad luck and financial loss to the owner. While the truth in that remains uncertain, one thing is for sure: a faded license plate will get you in trouble with the law. So, what are the fines for a faded license plate in Hanoi? Let’s delve into the details in this article!

Fines for Faded License Plates in 2023

According to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP (amended and supplemented by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP), the fines for faded license plates on vehicles are specifically stipulated as follows:

For Cars and Trucks Under 1.5 Tons:

• Fines range from 800,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND for driving a vehicle with a license plate that has illegible characters or numbers; a bent, covered, or damaged license plate.

Faded car license plate

For Trucks Over 1.5 Tons and Container Trucks:

• Fines range from 1,000,000 VND to 2,000,000 VND for driving a vehicle with a license plate that has illegible characters or numbers; a bent, covered, or damaged license plate.

Note: In addition to fines, drivers may also have their driver’s license suspended for 1-3 months depending on the severity of the violation.

Why Are Faded License Plates Strictly Penalized?

Strict penalties for faded license plates are enforced for the following reasons:

• Ensuring public order and security: License plates are crucial for authorities to manage vehicles, detect, and handle violations of the law.
• Reducing traffic accidents: Clear license plates allow other vehicles to easily identify each other, promoting safe driving and preventing collisions.
• Raising public awareness: Strict penalties act as a deterrent, encouraging citizens to comply with traffic laws.

What to Do if Your License Plate is Faded?

To avoid fines for a faded license plate, you should:

• Regularly inspect your license plate: Check for fading, peeling, or any damage.
• Clean your license plate regularly: Keep your license plate clean and legible.
• Replace your license plate when necessary: If your license plate is severely faded, visit the relevant authorities to obtain a new one.

Truck with a faded license plate

Frequently Asked Questions about Faded License Plates

Is there a fine for a partially faded license plate?

Answer: Yes. Even if your license plate is only partially faded, you can still be fined according to regulations.

Can I get a reduced fine if my license plate is faded due to weather conditions?

Answer: Whether or not a reduced fine is given depends on the decision of the authorities. However, you should proactively address a faded license plate to avoid penalties.

What is the procedure for replacing a car license plate?

Answer: You can refer to the article Car Registration Locations on the Xe Tai Ha Noi website for detailed information on replacing a car license plate.