Recent motorbike crash by Russians triggers ramped-up law enforcement in Nha Trang

Late Friday night, four Russian men riding unlicensed scooters without helmets sped through the streets of Nha Trang, broadcasting music from high-powered speakers, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper witnessed. 

At a roundabout near Tram Huong Tower, two of the riders lost control and collided with two students on motorbikes, injuring four people and damaging the vehicles. 

Witnesses held the Russians at the scene until police arrived.

Traffic officials confirmed that the driver lacked a valid driver's license. 

He initially denied causing the crash, but admitted fault after being shown video evidence. 

All involved were taken to the police station for further processing.

This crash came shortly after a separate incident on Thursday where a Russian tourist, identified by authorities, crashed a motorbike and punched a traffic officer during the altercation.

The incident left the officer with a bleeding mouth but no serious injuries. 

The tourist was detained for investigation.

Khanh Hoa traffic police said these repeat incidents have increased the urgency of enforcing traffic laws against foreign drivers. 

"Foreigners traveling on Nha Trang roads often commit violations such as riding without a valid driver's license, speeding, reckless overtaking, and not keeping to their lane," said a traffic police leader. 

"We are deploying patrol teams along key routes and areas frequently used by foreign riders to strictly enforce traffic laws."

Police are cooperating with immigration officials to track rental vehicle patterns and working with rental agencies to require valid driving permits for all customers.

Vietnamese regulations mandate that foreigners must hold an international driving permit to operate motorbikes within the country, with violations subject to fines of VND3–7 million (US$114–267). 

Language barriers and resistance during enforcement remain major challenges, officials added.