On November 11, Colonel Nguyen Hai Duong of An Giang Provincial Police said the Phu Quoc special administrative zone attracts large numbers of domestic and international tourists, driving growing demand for self-drive car and motorbike rentals.
Colonel Nguyen Hai Duong, head of the staff division at An Giang provincial police, gives an update on the traffic situation (Photo: H.H).
However, the trend also poses potential traffic safety risks, particularly when renters do not meet the legal requirements for operating vehicles in Vietnam.
Since the beginning of 2026, Phu Quoc has recorded four traffic accidents involving foreign nationals. Notably, three of those involved drivers without legally recognised driving licences.
In response, traffic police and local law enforcement authorities have stepped up measures to prevent and address traffic violations involving foreign drivers.
Authorities have directly provided road safety guidance and information on traffic regulations to 60 foreign motorists.
They have also secured written commitments from five car and motorbike rental businesses to comply with regulations, while coordinating with local authorities to review and strengthen oversight of rental operators and individual businesses offering self-drive services.
Rental businesses have been instructed to check customers' identity documents, driving licences and whether their licences are recognised for use in Vietnam before handing over vehicles.
In addition, police have increased patrols and traffic inspections on roads and in areas with high traffic volumes and large numbers of tourists, including Duong Dong, An Thoi, Cua Duong, Cua Can and Ganh Dau.
Roads connecting the airport, ports, hotels, resorts and tourist attractions are also receiving particular attention to ensure violations are detected and handled promptly.
According to Colonel Duong, when foreign nationals drive in Phu Quoc, authorities must verify the type of driving licence they hold, the issuing country, whether it is recognised in Vietnam and the vehicle categories they are authorised to operate.
These checks are intended to ensure that traffic inspections and enforcement are conducted in accordance with Vietnamese law.
Duong stressed that authorities would strictly handle traffic violations to minimise accidents and help build Phu Quoc's image as a safe and civilised tourist destination for domestic and international visitors.