CaliToday (09/9/2025): In a bold move to enhance road safety and crack down on rampant traffic offenses, Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has put forward a groundbreaking proposal to financially reward citizens who provide evidence of traffic violations. Under the new draft circular, individuals could receive up to 5 million VND (approximately $200 USD) for submitting photos or videos that lead to an official penalty.
The initiative aims to leverage citizen participation and the widespread use of smartphones and dashcams to create a more comprehensive and effective enforcement network. It addresses the long-standing challenge of police forces being unable to monitor all roads at all times, turning ordinary citizens into potential allies in the quest for safer streets.
How the System Would Work
According to the proposal, the process would be straightforward:
Capture Evidence: A citizen witnesses a traffic violation, such as running a red light, driving in the wrong lane, illegal parking, or dangerous overtaking. They would then capture clear photographic or video evidence of the offense.
Submit Information: The evidence, along with details like the time, date, location, and the vehicle's license plate number, would be submitted to the traffic police authorities through a designated portal or application.
Verification and Penalty: The authorities would then verify the authenticity and clarity of the submitted evidence. If the information is deemed sufficient to identify the violator and issue a formal sanction (a fine), the report is considered successful.
Reward Disbursement: Following the successful penalization of the violator, the citizen who provided the initial report would be eligible for a cash reward. The proposed maximum payout is 5 million VND, with the final amount likely depending on the severity of the reported offense.
Rationale and Objectives
The primary motivation behind this proposal is to deter reckless driving behavior and improve overall road discipline across the country. Vietnam has long struggled with a high rate of traffic accidents, many of which are caused by a disregard for basic traffic laws.
By introducing a financial incentive, the Ministry of Public Security hopes to:
Increase Surveillance: Create a sense of "ubiquitous oversight," where potential violators know that any citizen around them could be documenting their actions.
Act as a Force Multiplier: Supplement the efforts of the traffic police, allowing them to focus on more complex and high-priority tasks.
Foster a Culture of Accountability: Encourage a collective responsibility for road safety, empowering people to take an active role in their community's well-being.
Streamline Enforcement: Utilize modern technology to gather irrefutable evidence, simplifying the process of issuing fines and reducing disputes.
Potential Challenges and Public Debate
While the proposal has been met with interest, it has also sparked debate and raised several important questions. Potential challenges include:
Privacy Concerns: The initiative could lead to concerns about a surveillance culture and the privacy of drivers.
Authenticity of Evidence: Authorities will need a robust system to verify the authenticity of submissions and prevent the use of manipulated or doctored images and videos.
Administrative Burden: The system could be inundated with a high volume of reports, requiring significant manpower and resources to process, verify, and manage reward payments.
Potential for Conflict: There is a risk of encouraging "bounty-hunting" behavior, which could lead to confrontations between citizens or disputes over reward eligibility.
The proposal is still in the draft stage and will require further discussion and public feedback before being officially approved and implemented. However, it signals a significant shift in strategy, moving towards a more community-involved, technology-driven approach to tackling one of Vietnam's most persistent social issues.
