{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
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  "path": "/2026/05/10/if-a-foreign-renter-causes-a-fatal-accident-is-the-vehicle-owner-liable/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-10T10:49:40.000Z",
  "site": "https://vietnam-aujourdhui.info",
  "tags": [
    "Vietnam News",
    "Foreigners",
    "Law",
    "Moto",
    "Vietnam",
    "Foreigners renting motorbikes without licenses pose traffic risks",
    "May foreign tourists bring their own vehicles into Vietnam ?",
    "Vietnam may allow dual citizenship under amended law"
  ],
  "textContent": "A fatal road accident involving a foreign motorbike renter has raised legal questions over whether vehicle owners can be held responsible under Vietnam’s traffic and penal laws. Reader Duy Dong: My friend operates a motorbike rental service for self-guided tours. Recently, a foreign customer rented a motorbike and was involved in a fatal accident. Authorities later determined that the customer did not hold a valid driving license. In addition, the motorbike involved is not registered under my friend’s name. My friend is concerned about potential legal consequences and would like clarification on the following: In a case where a foreign renter operates a vehicle and causes a fatal accident, how is the legal responsibility of the vehicle owner typically assessed? If the renter does not have a valid driving license but is still allowed to rent and operate the vehicle, what penalties could the owner potentially face? Does operating a rental business without proper registration, or renting out a vehicle that is not registered under the operator’s name, increase the owner’s legal liability? Thank you. By Thanh Lam – VnExpress.net – May 9, 2026 ——————- Lawyer’s advice Under the 2024 Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, drivers of motor vehicles are required to hold a valid driving license appropriate to the type of vehicle operated. For foreign nationals driving in Vietnam, the license must be either an international driving permit or a foreign license recognized in Vietnam. Accordingly, if a renter does not possess a valid driving license, they are in violation of traffic regulations. However, legal responsibility does not rest solely with the driver. Under Article 264 of the 2015 Penal Code (as amended), any person who hands over a motor vehicle to an individual who does not meet the legal requirements for driving, resulting in damage to others, may be held criminally liable for « entrusting a vehicle to an unqualified person. » Therefore, if it is established that the vehicle owner knows, or should have known, that the renter does not have a valid license but still provides the vehicle, and this act is causally linked to the accident, criminal liability may be considered. Where there is insufficient basis for criminal prosecution, the act of entrusting a vehicle to an unqualified driver may still be subject to administrative penalties under Decree 100/2019/ND-CP and Decree 123/2021/ND-CP. In addition, if the rental activity is conducted regularly for profit without proper business registration, the individual may be subject to administrative sanctions for operating an unregistered business under regulations on enterprise registration and investment-related violations. Regarding vehicles not registered under the owner’s name, current law does not prohibit individuals from using, lending, or renting out vehicles they do not own. However, when participating in traffic or handling incidents, the user or manager must be able to prove the lawful origin of the vehicle and their legal basis for its use or rental. Otherwise, problems may arise, particularly in the event of accidents or disputes. In summary, in cases where a foreign renter causes a fatal accident, primary liability generally rests with the driver. However, the vehicle owner may still face administrative or criminal liability depending on the findings of the investigation and the degree of fault, particularly if the vehicle is entrusted to an unqualified driver. Additional penalties may also apply if the rental business is not properly registered. By Lawyer Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa / Bao An Law Firm- VnExpress.net – May 9, 2026\n\n### Related posts:\n\n  1. Foreigners renting motorbikes without licenses pose traffic risks Without proper licenses required when renting motorbikes, certain foreigners in...\n  2. May foreign tourists bring their own vehicles into Vietnam ? According to Government Decree 151 issued in 2024, detailing a...\n  3. Vietnam may allow dual citizenship under amended law Vietnam may soon allow dual citizenship and ease citizenship rules...\n\n",
  "title": "If a foreign renter causes a fatal accident, is the vehicle owner liable ?"
}