21-seater bus driver, owner fined over $8,000 for exceeding passenger capacity in Vietnam

At 11:45 am the same day, traffic police stopped the bus, license plate 29F-012.xx, driven by Nguyen Manh H, 44, from Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam.

The vehicle had 20 sleeper berths and one seat but was carrying 50 people, exceeding the legal limit by 29 passengers, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

Authorities issued an administrative fine of VND43.5 million ($1,680) against the driver for overloading passengers, in line with Clause 4, Article 20 of Government Decree 168.

The bus owner was fined VND174 million ($6,710) under Clause 6, Article 32 of the same decree.

The combined penalty amounted to VND217.5 million ($8,390).

In addition, the driver lost 10 points from his 12-point license, while the bus owner had the vehicle’s operating permit suspended for one to three months.

The case was reported by residents via Vietnamese messaging app Zalo, prompting the Traffic Police Department, under the Ministry of Public Security, to order an immediate investigation.

Officials said the crackdown reflects their determination to punish operators who prioritize profit over passenger safety.

The Traffic Police Department urged the public to continue reporting violations such as overcrowding, carrying cargo in passenger compartments, loading goods on rooftops, reckless driving, and speeding.