What is the penalty for riding a motorbike while lying face down?

Riding a motorbike in a "fish tail" style – lying face down on the seat and speeding along – is no longer unfamiliar to many reckless riders. This action aims to reduce wind resistance to make the motorbike go faster, often seen in street racing gatherings, reckless driving, or videos posted on social media just to show off.

What is the penalty for riding a motorbike while lying face down? - Image 1.

Riding a motorbike while lying face down can easily lead to serious traffic accidents. (IMAGE: SCREENSHOT)

This riding posture poses many safety risks because when lying prone on the seat, the rider's field of vision is restricted, they lack the agility to react to situations, and have almost no control of the handlebars when braking suddenly or changing direction abruptly. Therefore, even a minor collision or loss of control at high speed can cause the rider to be thrown onto the road, leading to a serious accident.

The law prohibits lying down while driving a vehicle.

The Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024 (TTATGTĐB 2024) strictly prohibits this behavior for drivers of motorcycles and mopeds.

Specifically, according to point e, clause 3, Article 33 of the 2024 Law on Road Traffic Safety, drivers of two-wheeled motorcycles and mopeds are prohibited from standing or lying on the vehicle while operating it. In addition, the law also strictly prohibits many other actions such as sitting on one side while operating the vehicle, changing drivers while the vehicle is in motion, turning around to control the vehicle, operating the vehicle with eyes covered, or using the kickstand to scrape the road while the vehicle is in motion.

What is the penalty for riding a motorbike while lying face down? - Photo 2.

Riding a motorbike while lying face down will result in the confiscation of the vehicle and suspension of the driver's license for up to 24 months. PHOTO: HUY DAT

This provides the legal basis for authorities to impose penalties for the act of driving a motorcycle while lying face down.

The vehicle may be confiscated.

According to point a, clause 11, Article 7 of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP (Decree 168), drivers of motorcycles and mopeds who lie on the seat while driving will have their vehicles confiscated. In addition to the confiscation of the vehicle, the driver will also be subject to an additional penalty: suspension of their driver's license for up to 24 months, as stipulated in point c, clause 12, Article 7 of Decree 168.

Notably, this is one of the few traffic violations that is not subject to a fine but is instead dealt with directly by confiscating the vehicle and revoking the driver's license for up to two years.

The strict penalties are intended to deter reckless driving that endangers other road users.

Currently, there is still a situation where some teenagers gather to race, swerve, weave, or perform dangerous driving maneuvers to film videos and post them on social media. These behaviors not only disrupt traffic safety but also pose a potential risk of serious accidents.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nam-sap-dieu-khien-xe-may-bi-phat-nang-co-nao-185260602164224069.htm