What are the penalties for pedestrians who violate traffic laws?

According to regulations, pedestrians are one of the road traffic participants and are given priority in a separate lane called the sidewalk. Accordingly, pedestrians must comply with Article 32 of the Road Traffic Law 2008. Specifically, pedestrians must walk on the sidewalk or roadside. In cases where there is no sidewalk or roadside, pedestrians must walk close to the edge of the road.

In this system, pedestrians are only allowed to cross the road at places with traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, or pedestrian overpasses and underpasses, and must obey traffic signals.

In the absence of traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, overpasses, or underpasses, pedestrians must observe approaching vehicles, only cross the road when it is safe to do so, and are responsible for ensuring their own safety when crossing the road.

Hanoi traffic police reminding and penalizing pedestrians for violating traffic laws. (Photo: Ha Minh)

Pedestrians are not allowed to cross the median strip or cling to moving vehicles; when carrying bulky objects, they must ensure safety and not obstruct other road users and vehicles.

" Children under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult when crossing urban roads or roads with frequent motor vehicle traffic; everyone has a responsibility to assist children under 7 years old when crossing the road," Clause 5, Article 32 stipulates in detail.

According to the 2008 Road Traffic Law, Clause 4, Article 11 stipulates that pedestrians shall have priority at pedestrian crossings marked with crosswalks.

Accordingly, drivers must observe, reduce speed, and yield to pedestrians and wheelchair users crossing the road.

Furthermore, in areas without pedestrian crossings, drivers must observe and, if they see pedestrians or wheelchair users crossing the road, they must slow down and yield to them to ensure their safety.

Therefore, pedestrians who violate traffic rules will be penalized according to the regulations of Decree 100/2019. However, in reality, traffic police rarely issue fines for these violations. Therefore, the fact that the three individuals mentioned above were penalized may come as a surprise to the public.

Accordingly, the fine for pedestrians violating traffic regulations ranges from 60,000 VND to 100,000 VND if they commit the following offenses:

- Not driving in the designated lane; crossing the median; crossing the road at an unauthorized or unsafe location.

- Failure to obey traffic signals, traffic signs, or road markings.

- Failing to comply with the orders or instructions of traffic controllers or traffic police officers.

- Carrying or transporting bulky objects that obstruct traffic.

- Clinging to or holding onto moving vehicles.

A fine of 100,000 to 200,000 VND will be imposed on pedestrians entering the highway, except for those involved in highway management and maintenance.

BAO HUNG

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