Ho Chi Minh City police detain youths in crackdown on reckless motorbike riding

The Cat Lai traffic police team, working with an anti–illegal racing unit, stopped groups of young riders who were revving engines, weaving through traffic, and riding in convoys on several roads near the Thu Thiem Tunnel and Ba Son Bridge.

Officers found multiple violations, including riding without licenses, riding underage, lacking vehicle registration, modifying exhaust systems, missing mirrors, and failing to wear crash helmets.

Police said most of those involved were under the legal driving age.

Vehicle owners, usually parents, will be summoned, with fines of about VND3 million (US$114) for unlicensed driving and up to VND9 million ($342) for allowing underage or unqualified riders to use the vehicles.

The operation followed complaints and social media reports about repeated nighttime disturbances in the area, police said.

The crackdown is part of a broader traffic safety campaign launched by Ho Chi Minh City police on December 15 and running through March 16, ahead of public holidays, major national events, and the Lunar New Year holiday, authorities added.