Hanoi police fine over 200 motorcyclists for covering plates to evade AI cameras

Hanoi traffic police fined 204 motorbike drivers in a three-day span from Nov. 13–15 for intentionally covering or altering their license plates.

The crackdown comes as drivers, particularly ride-hailing operators, attempt to evade the city’s expanding network of AI-powered traffic cameras.

Under Decree 168 issued in 2024, the penalty for this offense is severe. Motorcycle owners face fines ranging from VND4–6 million (US$157–236) and a six-point deduction from their driver’s license. For car owners, the fine is much higher, at VND20–26 million.

If a driver loses all 12 of their license points, they are banned from driving and must wait at least six months to retake a traffic safety test to regain their license.

Some drivers have intentionally covered their plates to avoid being caught on AI cameras in Hanoi for traffic violations. Common methods include using face masks to hide the plate or using black tape to alter digits, such as turning a ‘0’ into an ‘8’ or changing the letter ‘F’ into an ‘E’.

Others use stickers, smear paint, or even arrange delivery goods in a way that blocks the camera’s view.

When stopped, some drivers offered excuses, such as not knowing their plates were covered, claiming they were accidentally dirty, or blaming children for applying stickers.

Hanoi’s Traffic Police Department said covering license plates is a deliberate violation intended to disrupt public order and safety. « Some individuals even use obscured plates to commit crimes and avoid detection, » the department said, adding that it is studying proposals to further increase penalties.

The city has intensified its enforcement after putting a network of 1,873 AI cameras into use at intersections across the capital.

According to the municipal Traffic Police Division, the advanced system features 360-degree scanning, can clearly identify objects up to 500–700 meters away, and is designed to perform reliably in all weather conditions.

By Viet An – VnExpress.net – November 17, 2025