Fines to be paid if cycling and running a red light
Bicycle riders must also fully comply with traffic light signals.
According to point d, clause 2, Article 9 of Decree No. 168/2024/ND-CP, drivers of bicycles, motorbikes and other rudimentary vehicles who do not comply with traffic light signals are fined from 150,000 VND to 250,000 VND. This Decree takes effect from January 1, 2025.
Thus, cyclists can still be fined if they intentionally continue when the red light is on, even though this type of vehicle does not require a driver's license and is not subject to the form of driver's license deduction.
The above fine level also applies to some other acts such as driving a bicycle letting go of both hands, using feet to control the vehicle or suddenly changing direction in front of a running motor vehicle.
Decree No. 238/2026/ND-CP amending Decree 168 will take effect from August 15, 2026. Through comparison of the amended content, the regulations on penalties for cyclists who do not comply with traffic lights in Article 9 are not changed.
Not every case of going through a yellow light is fined
Law No. 36/2024/QH15 on Road Traffic Order and Safety stipulates that traffic lights include three colors: green, yellow and red.
In which, when the light turns yellow, traffic participants must stop in front of the stop line. Bikers who have passed the stop line or are on the stop line at the time the light turns yellow are allowed to continue moving.
Therefore, cyclists are only at risk of being fined when the light has turned yellow, the vehicle is still in front of the stop line, and the driver has sufficient conditions to stop but still intentionally continues.
This regulation is aimed at preventing vehicle drivers from braking or stopping suddenly when they have approached or crossed the line, which may cause traffic unsafety.
For flashing yellow lights, cyclists are allowed to continue moving. However, drivers must observe, slow down or stop to give way to pedestrians, wheelchairs of people with disabilities and other vehicles.
Meanwhile, a red light means no going. A bicycle driver who passes the stop line when the signal has turned red is determined to have disobeyed the traffic light signal and may be fined from 150,000 VND to 250,000 VND.
Thus, the important point when encountering a yellow light is not whether the vehicle passes through the intersection or not, but the position of the vehicle compared to the stop line at the time the signal changes color.
