Riding a Motorcycle Legally in Vietnam - Who Can and Who Cannot

Vietnam is one of the most motorcycle-dense countries in the world. For visitors, riding a motorbike through Hanoi’s buzzing streets or along the coastal highways is often the highlight of their trip. But while renting a bike is easy, riding legally in Vietnam depends on your nationality, the kind of licence you hold, and whether it is recognised under international agreements. This guide explains who can and who cannot ride a motorcycle in Vietnam and why it matters for your safety, your trip, and your insurance.

Why You Need to Know the Rules

Motorbike travel in Vietnam is more than just adventurous; it’s risky if you don’t have the correct licence. Many tourists rent bikes without checking the law, only to face fines, police stops, or worse: insurance that won’t pay out after an accident. Understanding the rules before you ride ensures that:

• You stay within Vietnamese law.

• You remain covered by travel or medical insurance.

• You can enjoy the trip without unnecessary risks.

Vietnam and the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic

The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic is an international agreement that created shared driving standards between its member countries. Since 2015, Vietnam recognizes International Driving Permits (IDPs) that are issued under this Convention.

This means that if your country is a Contracting Party to the Convention, and your IDP includes motorcycle categories (A1 or A2), you can ride legally in Vietnam. However, Vietnam is not a full signatory itself, so its recognition of foreign licences is limited to IDPs from Convention countries, plus ASEAN agreements.

Who Can Ride a Motorcycle in Vietnam?

✅ In short: If you’re from a 1968 Vienna Convention country and have an IDP, or if you’re from an ASEAN country and have your local license, you can legally ride a motorcycle in Vietnam.

⚠️ Many tourists still rent motorcycles without proper documentation, but technically this is illegal and can invalidate insurance.

If you are not legally permitted to ride in Vietnam, our recommendation would be an easy rider, travelling as pillion with a licenced motorbike rider. ETHOS have one day options here and two day loops here.

Citizens of Vienna Convention Countries

If you are from a country that is part of the 1968 Vienna Convention such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, or South Korea, you may ride in Vietnam if you carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under that treaty.

Important notes:

• Your IDP must specifically cover motorcycle categories.

• You must also carry your original national licence.

• Without the correct category, you are not legally permitted to ride.

For a full list of Countries Permitted to Ride a Motorcycle in Vietnam click here

Citizens of ASEAN Countries

Vietnam is also part of the ASEAN Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences. This means that citizens of ASEAN member states can use their national licences to ride motorcycles in Vietnam without needing an IDP.

ASEAN members include: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei.

Citizens of Non-Convention Countries (e.g., USA, Australia, Canada)

If you are from a country that is not part of the Vienna Convention such as the United States, Australia, or Canada, your International Driving Permit is not recognised in Vietnam.

Options for these travellers:

• Apply for a Vietnamese driving licence conversion if you are a resident or long-term visitor.

• Short-term visitors cannot legally ride unless they obtain this conversion, meaning tourist rentals are technically outside the law.

Common Misconceptions

• “Everyone rents a motorbike without a licence, so it must be fine.”
  → False. Many tourists do this, but it is illegal. Police enforcement varies, but the risk remains.

• “Insurance will cover me if I have an accident, even without a licence.”
  → False. Insurance companies explicitly require you to hold a valid licence recognised in Vietnam. Without it, you’re fully liable for medical bills and damages.

• “A licence from my home country is enough.”
  → Not true unless you are from an ASEAN country. Most national licences alone are invalid in Vietnam.

How to Get a Vietnamese Licence if You Need One

Foreigners who live in Vietnam with a work permit or residence card can apply to convert their foreign licence into a Vietnamese licence.

Steps include:

1. Submit your original licence, passport, and residence card.

2. Provide a translated and notarised copy of your licence.

3. Pay the official fee.

The Vietnamese licence will be valid for the same class of vehicle as your original licence.

Other Road Rules to know before you ride

1. Always Wear a Helmet

It is compulsory for both the driver and any passengers to wear helmets that meet Vietnamese safety standards. Fines are issued on the spot for non-compliance.

2. Carry the Correct Documents

You must carry your passport (or a copy), visa, motorbike registration papers, and proof of insurance. Police can request them at checkpoints.

3. Drive on the Right-Hand Side

Vietnam follows right-hand traffic. Keep to the right except when overtaking.

4. Obey Speed Limits

Typical limits are:

• Urban areas: 40–50 km/h

• Outside cities: 60–80 km/h

• Highways: 100 km/h (though most motorbikes are not permitted on expressways)

5. Do Not Ride on Motorways

Motorbikes are not allowed on expressways or certain major highways. Always look out for the “no motorbike” signs at entrances.

6. Do Not Drink and Drive

Vietnam has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving motorbikes. Even small amounts can result in heavy fines and possible licence suspension.

7. Use Indicators and Lights Correctly

Always signal when turning or changing lanes. Headlights must be used between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am, and sometimes in tunnels during the day.

8. Carry Only Legal Loads

Passengers are limited to one adult passenger plus a child. Carrying large items or multiple passengers is prohibited and often stopped by police.

9. Obey Traffic Lights and Signs

Although traffic may appear chaotic, running red lights is a common reason for fines. Police often monitor busy intersections in cities.

10. Give Way Correctly

At intersections without signals, the general rule is to give way to vehicles coming from the right. Larger vehicles are usually given priority in practice.

Before hopping on a motorbike, ask yourself:

• Do I have a valid IDP (1968 format) or an ASEAN licence?

• Does my licence cover motorcycles?

• Is my travel insurance valid for motorcycle riding?

• Do I know local laws (helmets are mandatory, and Vietnam has a zero-tolerance alcohol policy for riders)?

If you can’t answer “yes” to all of the above, riding in Vietnam could expose you to fines, confiscation, or uninsured accidents.

The easy fix is to book a guided motorbike tour.