Ho Chi Minh City steps up crackdown on sidewalk, roadway encroachment

Traffic police and local authorities conducted inspections across multiple wards over the weekend following the launch of a high-intensity enforcement drive targeting illegal parking, street vending, and other unauthorized use of sidewalks and roadways.

On Le Van Viet Street in Tang Nhon Phu Ward, officers fined multiple motorcyclists for parking on sidewalks and ordered street vendors operating on the sidewalks and roadways to cease activities.

Under Decree 168/2024, illegally stopping or parking vehicles on sidewalks or roadways can result in fines of VND400,000 (US$15) to VND600,000 ($23), while unauthorized street vending in prohibited areas is subject to fines of VND200,000 ($7.6) to VND250,000 ($9.5).

Sidewalks in central areas including Ngo Duc Ke, Ham Nghi, Ton That Thiep, and Nguyen Du Streets became clearer following enforcement actions.

The crackdown follows a citywide campaign launched earlier this month to curb recurring sidewalk encroachment, which officials say undermines pedestrian safety and urban order.

Ho Chi Minh City previously allowed limited, fee-based temporary use of sidewalks for commercial purposes under local regulations, but new national rules effective in 2025 removed provincial and municipal authority to permit sidewalk use for business activities.

As a result, the city has halted new permits for sidewalk-based commerce, and all such activities are now deemed violations subject to enforcement.

Authorities added that surveillance footage and public reports are being used to identify violation hotspots and support enforcement actions.