In Hanoi, over $3,830 in sidewalk-riding fines issued in one hour

At around 7:00 am on the day, despite relatively light traffic on Ho Tung Mau Street, multiple motorcyclists illegally used the sidewalk.

Within over one hour, officers who were stationed on the street to capture traffic offenses stopped and fined more than 20 violators, while 10 other cases were documented for deferred penalties.

Most violators cited traffic congestion or urgency to reach work as reasons for their actions.

The operation is being conducted on many main routes citywide in a bid to crack down on the widespread practice of motorcyclists mounting sidewalks during peak hours and improve both traffic safety and urban aesthetics.

“Our goal is to eliminate the phenomenon of motorcycles on sidewalks, which not only endangers pedestrians but also tarnishes the city's image in the eyes of international visitors,” said Major Hoang Van Binh.

Police will continue to use video surveillance and on-the-spot checks to identify and penalize offenders, he said.

As per Decree 168, which took effect on January 1 and stipulates new administrative penalties for road traffic violations, riders who ride on the sidewalk shall be fined VND4-6 million ($153-230), a tenfold increase from the previous regulations.