Police impound scooter after teen rides it hands-free on Ho Chi Minh City bridge

The Ben Thanh traffic police team summoned the teenage rider for questioning after verifying a video clip showing dangerous behavior on the bridge, which spans the Saigon River and links the city center with the Thu Thiem New Urban Area.

The rider was identified as N.L.M.A., 16, who lives in neighboring Dong Nai Province.

Police determined that the incident occurred at 1:55 am on July 20, 2025, when M.A. rode a Honda SH scooter from Saigon Ward toward An Khanh Ward across the Ba Son Bridge.

According to police findings, M.A. had traveled from Dong Nai to Ho Chi Minh City for leisure and later invited two other teenage girls to ride with her.

While on the bridge, she released both hands from the handlebars and shouted excitedly.

One of the passengers seated in the middle was seen standing up on the moving motorcycle, creating a serious risk of a traffic accident.

Because M.A. is under the legal age to operate a motorbike of that class, the Ben Thanh traffic police issued a warning record for the violation of “releasing both hands while operating a vehicle.”

As per prevailing regulations, the scooter used in the violation was confiscated.

M.A.’s grandfather, the vehicle owner, was also booked for “handing a vehicle to a person not legally qualified to operate it.”

This offense carries an administrative fine ranging from VND8 million (US$305) to VND10 million ($380).

The case came to light after a video showing three young women riding a motorcycle hands-free on the Ba Son Bridge circulated widely on social media on Sunday.

The footage prompted immediate verification by the Ben Thanh traffic police team.