Vietnamese passenger bus driver, owner fined $8,900 over overloading violations

Authorities stopped the passenger bus, license plate 37F‑004.68, on Monday on the Ho Chi Minh Highway near Krong Buk Commune.

Officers found 67 passengers aboard a vehicle registered for 46.

The driver, 39‑year‑old H.V.H. from Nghe An Province, also failed to present a valid driver’s license because it had been suspended by Quang Ngai traffic police for prior violations.

Under Vietnamese traffic law, H. was fined VND19 million ($723) for driving without a license and VND31.5 million ($1,200) for exceeding the passenger limit.

The vehicle owner was fined VND58 million ($2,210) for entrusting the bus to an unlicensed driver and VND126 million ($4,800) for allowing overloading.

Authorities impounded the bus and instructed the operator to arrange alternate transportation for the excess passengers to ensure safe transit.