Do motorbike mirrors in Vietnam have to be on both sides? What if your rental has only one, or a cracked one? This guide summarises the current rules under Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP (in force since 1 January 2025) and the technical regulation QCVN 14:2024/BGTVT, based on analyses published by Vietnam Lawyers Magazine (LSVN), the legal portal LuatVietnam and the Ha Tinh provincial government portal. For how to adjust mirrors and deal with blind spots, see our step-by-step mirror check before pickup.
Quick answer
Table of contents12
- Required: at least one rear-view mirror on the rider’s left side (QCVN 14:2024/BGTVT).
- Fine: VND 400,000–600,000 for riding without a left mirror, or with one that does not work (Decree 168/2024, Article 14, clause 1, point a).
- Left mirror only: no fine, as long as it works.
- Licence points: according to LuatVietnam, this offence carries no point deduction.
- Safety: the law only requires the left mirror, but two mirrors give you a much better view behind.
Which mirrors are required?
Item 2.11 of QCVN 14:2024/BGTVT (issued with Circular 48/2024/TT-BGTVT), as quoted by LSVN and LuatVietnam, requires a motorbike to have at least one rear-view mirror on the rider’s left. LuatVietnam concludes that since 1 January 2025 mirrors on both sides are not mandatory, but the left one is.
The Ha Tinh portal (citing VOV) adds that some vehicles, such as two-wheel motorcycles with an asymmetric layout (for example with a sidecar) and symmetric three-wheelers, must have mirrors on both sides. Mirror specifications are set out in QCVN 28:2024/BGTVT. According to these sources, the common 110–125cc scooters and semi-automatics only need the left mirror.
The fine under Decree 168/2024
Article 14, clause 1, point a of Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP sets a fine of VND 400,000 to 600,000 for riding a vehicle without a horn, number-plate light, brake light, or a rear-view mirror on the rider’s left side, or with one of these that does not work.
| Mirror situation | Fined? | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Left and right mirrors, both working | No | – |
| Left mirror only, working | No | – |
| Right mirror only, no left mirror | Yes | VND 400,000–600,000 |
| No mirrors at all | Yes | VND 400,000–600,000 |
| Left mirror fitted but not working | Yes | VND 400,000–600,000 |
LuatVietnam notes that this offence is not among those that lead to licence point deductions (Article 14, clause 8). This article is a summary for reference, not legal advice; check the current official text if you need certainty.
What “fitted but not working” means in practice
The rule also covers a mirror that is there but cannot do its job. The decree does not list every situation, so the safe approach is to make sure your left mirror genuinely shows the road behind you when you sit in your riding position. Deal with these signs straight away:
- Broken glass, spreading cracks or peeling reflective coating that blanks out the image.
- A loose stem, or a mirror that swivels or drops out of position while riding.
- A mirror bent inwards so that it only shows your own shoulder or elbow.
Our step-by-step mirror check explains how to inspect each point.
Why two mirrors are still worth having
The law sets a minimum. In dense, lane-changing traffic like Hanoi’s, a right mirror lets you see bikes overtaking or squeezing past on your right before you turn or pull over. Even with two mirrors there are blind spots, so take a quick look over your shoulder before changing direction.
If you are new to Hanoi traffic, read our guide to riding in the Old Quarter.
At pickup: check the mirrors and the other items in the same clause
The same point a of Article 14, clause 1 also covers a missing or non-working horn, number-plate light and brake light. So when you collect a rental, check them together:
- Left mirror (and right mirror if fitted): intact glass, firm stem, holds its angle once adjusted.
- The horn sounds clearly.
- The brake light comes on with both the front and rear brake.
- The number-plate light works with the lights on.
- Note or photograph any damage before you ride away.
The full list is in our motorbike pickup checklist. If a mirror has a problem, tell Mr Tú – Old Quarter Motorbike Rental before you leave so it can be sorted out, rather than fixing it yourself on the road.
Replacement and “style” mirrors on a rental
Rear-view mirrors have their own technical standard (QCVN 28:2024/BGTVT). On a rental, do not remove mirrors, force the threads or swap in small fashion mirrors: it alters someone else’s bike and may leave your left mirror unable to show the road properly. If a mirror breaks during your trip, contact the owner for advice on a suitable replacement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fine for riding without mirrors in Vietnam?
Under Article 14, clause 1, point a of Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP, riding without a left rear-view mirror, or with one that does not work, is fined VND 400,000 to 600,000.
Is one mirror enough on a motorbike in Vietnam?
Yes, if it is on the rider’s left side and works. A bike with only a right mirror can still be fined.
Can I be fined for a broken or blurry mirror?
The rule covers a mirror that is fitted but not working. A left mirror that is broken or too blurred to show the road behind is a risk, so have it replaced or tell the owner early.
Does the mirror offence cost licence points?
According to LuatVietnam, it is not one of the offences that lead to licence point deductions under Article 14, clause 8 of Decree 168/2024.
Sources (in Vietnamese), checked 12/11/2026: Vietnam Lawyers Magazine (LSVN), is a motorbike with one mirror fined? (Trần Nguyên, 17/03/2025); LuatVietnam, must motorbikes have two mirrors from 01/01/2025? (Ngọc Thúy, 15/01/2025); Ha Tinh provincial portal, is a motorbike with one mirror fined? (06/03/2025, via VOV).
Comments