120 drivers fined for using phones on expressway in Vietnam in the past year

A representative of Highway Traffic Patrol Unit No. 6, under the Ministry of Public Security’s Traffic Police Department, on Wednesday said patrol officers recently handled multiple cases of drivers using handheld phones while operating vehicles on the expressway.

On Thursday afternoon alone, officers caught two passenger bus drivers holding and using mobile phones while driving.

Each was fined VND4-6 million (US$153-230) and had four points deducted from their 12-point driver’s license.

After several hours of inspection, officers identified additional drivers committing similar violations.

In 2025 and early 2026, the unit processed 120 cases of drivers using phones while driving, including 67 tractor-trailer drivers, 35 passenger bus drivers, nine car drivers, and nine truck drivers.

Police stressed that using phones while driving is extremely dangerous.

At speeds of 100 kph, looking at a phone for just three to five seconds means the vehicle travels dozens of meters “as if the driver were blindfolded,” creating a high risk of serious accidents.

Drivers are recommended to use hands-free devices only when absolutely necessary and strictly avoid handling phones while vehicles are in motion on expressways.

In related news, during the recent Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday peak, the unit deployed full manpower for 24/7 patrols, early traffic management, and quick response to incidents.

Thanks to strict enforcement, traffic remained stable with no major accidents or prolonged congestion.

The unit focused on violations that are direct causes of accidents, including speeding, drunk driving, illegal stopping and parking, failure to maintain safe following distances, and phone use while driving.

Police also assisted drivers in emergencies, escorted vehicles to hospitals, and guided safe travel.