Traffic police in Ho Chi Minh City have confiscated a Honda SH motorbike and suspended a young man’s driving licence for nearly two years after he was caught riding hands free across Ba Son Bridge, one of the city’s busiest river crossings.
The case underscores Vietnam’s increasingly strict enforcement against dangerous riding stunts shared on social media.
Viral clip leads to punishment
According to the city’s Traffic Police Division, officers from the Ben Thanh traffic unit acted after receiving a video showing a man riding a Honda SH with both hands off the handlebars while carrying a female passenger on Ba Son Bridge.
The rider was later identified as N.L.M.Q., 21, a resident of An Phu Ward. Police confirmed the incident occurred in November 2025 and that the video had been posted by Q. himself on social media before being deleted.
After reviewing the footage, police summoned both the rider and the vehicle owner for questioning.
Vehicle confiscated, licence suspended
Based on their findings, traffic police issued a violation report for riding without hands on the handlebars, an offense classified as particularly dangerous under Vietnam’s updated traffic regulations.
Under Decree 168/2024, the rider was penalized with full confiscation of the motorbike and a 23 month suspension of his driving licence.
Police said the sanction reflects the high risk such behavior poses to both the rider and other road users, especially on major bridges with fast moving traffic.
Part of a wider crackdown
Traffic police noted that in the first days of 2026, they have handled multiple similar cases involving riders letting go of handlebars on Ba Son Bridge. Just days earlier, officers seized another Honda SH after a teenage girl under 16 was filmed carrying three passengers and riding hands free at the same location.
Authorities warned that filming reckless stunts for online attention is becoming more common and will be met with severe penalties.
Why it matters
For international readers, the case highlights Vietnam’s tougher stance on road safety violations, particularly those amplified by social media. As urban traffic grows denser and motorbikes remain the dominant mode of transport, authorities are prioritizing deterrence over warnings.
The message from Ho Chi Minh City traffic police is clear. Viral fame is no defense when dangerous behavior puts lives at risk.
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