Officers have recently stepped up enforcement against riders caught wearing earphones or using phones on the move, saying the behaviour poses safety risks.
In comments under a Dantri Newspaper article, many readers supported strict penalties for those scrolling on their phones while driving. Some argued, however, that wearing a single earbud to listen to navigation directions does not necessarily cause the level of distraction some fear.
One delivery worker said he understood that taking calls while riding was a traffic offence but felt constrained by the nature of his job.
Nguyen Viet Hoang Son, a lawyer with the Hanoi Bar Association, said using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle is against the law and increases the risk of traffic accidents.
Fines for motorcyclists who use mobile phones or audio devices while riding, excluding hearing aids, range from VND 800,000 to VND 1 million (equivalent to about USD 31 to USD 39).
In addition to financial penalties, violators may face suspension of their driving licence for between one and three months. If the offence causes a traffic accident, the suspension period can rise to between two and four months.
