Yes — tourists can legally ride a motorbike in Vietnam, but only with a valid licence situation. “Everyone rides without one” is not a legal argument.

What the law actually recognises

Article 57 of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety (No. 36/2024/QH15) lists the licences valid on Vietnamese territory:

  1. A Vietnamese driving licence — obtained by test, or by exchanging a valid foreign national licence if you meet residence conditions (see our IDP guide).
  2. An International Driving Permit, or a national licence, issued by a country that is a member of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, appropriate to the vehicle you are riding. Carry both the IDP and the national licence it translates.
  3. A licence from a country or territory with which Vietnam has a mutual-recognition treaty or agreement.

An IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention does not appear in that list, so it is not the basis for legal riding here. Neither is an IDP with no motorcycle category, or an IDP whose underlying national licence does not cover motorcycles.

What riding without a valid licence means

Under Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP (Article 18), riding without a licence — or with an invalid or vehicle-mismatched licence — carries a fine of 2–4 million VND for bikes of 125cc or under, and 6–8 million VND for larger bikes. Even a valid 1968-convention IDP holder who fails to carry the underlying national licence commits this offence. Beyond the fine, the bigger risks come after an accident: an invalid licence can invalidate insurance claims and shift liability onto you, regardless of who caused the crash. Rental agreements may also hold you responsible.

The practical advice

  • Check whether your country issues 1968-convention IDPs, and get one before travelling
  • Make sure your home licence itself covers motorcycles
  • Ride a bike that falls inside your licence class — for most visitors that means a 110–125cc scooter or underbone
  • Carry your licence, IDP and passport while riding

Renting in Hanoi

We rent to foreign visitors and are happy to explain what documents you should carry. Contact us to confirm current availability.

Information, not legal advice. Verified against the full text of Law 36/2024/QH15, Circular 12/2025/TT-BCA and Decree 168/2024/NĐ-CP on 2026-09-21.