How much the fine is for modifying an exhaust is a question that concerns many motorbike riders, especially those who are modifying or have modified their exhaust pipe to increase sound or improve performance. However, many riders have been cited right on the road simply because their exhaust noise exceeded the permitted limit. So how much is the fine for modifying a motorbike exhaust, and will points be deducted from your driver's license? Let's find out with DIBAO in the article below!
How much is the fine for modifying a motorbike exhaust?
According to the provisions of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, applicable from 2025, the act of arbitrarily altering the structure of a motorbike, including modifying the exhaust in a way that deviates from the manufacturer's original design, will be subject to a fairly heavy administrative fine. This act falls under the group of violations regarding vehicle registration and altering vehicle characteristics.
Specific fine levels for illegal motorbike exhaust modification:
- For individuals modifying a motorbike exhaust: Fined from 4,000,000 VND to 6,000,000 VND;
- For organizations that own the vehicle with a modified exhaust: Fined from 8,000,000 VND to 12,000,000 VND.
Detailed regulations on punishable acts include:
- Arbitrarily altering the frame, dimensions, shape, or characteristics of the vehicle;
- Modifying the vehicle exhaust to increase noise beyond the permitted threshold;
- Installing an exhaust pipe that does not meet technical standards, affecting the environment and public order.
>>> See more: How much is the fine for driving against traffic? Detailed Q&A
In cases where a motorbike with a modified exhaust emits loud noise and causes disturbances between 10:00 PM the previous night and 6:00 AM the following morning, the rider will face additional penalties under Decree 144/2021/ND-CP, specifically:
- A warning or a monetary fine ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND.
- Applicable to acts of causing noise and disturbing public order in residential areas and public places during regulated hours.
Besides administrative fines, violators may also be required to restore the vehicle to its original condition or have the modified exhaust confiscated by competent authorities if the equipment is determined to be non-compliant and causes excessive noise.
This penalty ensures technical safety for vehicles and protects the living environment and social order, especially in densely populated residential areas.
>>> See more: Penalties for using a phone while riding a motorcycle you need to know
How much is the fine for a modified exhaust under the new regulations?
Does modifying a motorbike exhaust result in driver's license point deductions?
After learning how much the fine is for modifying a motorbike exhaust under Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, many vehicle owners still wonder whether this act results in points being deducted from their driver's license.
The answer is no. According to Clause 21, Article 32 of Decree 168, only serious violations that directly affect traffic safety—such as carrying more passengers than permitted, attaching an improper license plate, or using forged documents—are subject to point deductions on a driver's license.
Meanwhile, the act of arbitrarily altering the frame, engine, shape, or characteristics of a vehicle, such as modifying the exhaust, listed in Point b, Clause 8, does not fall into the group of violations subject to point deductions, even when the vehicle owner is the person directly operating the vehicle.
Thus, a motorbike with a modified exhaust is subject to a monetary fine of 4 to 12 million VND (depending on whether the owner is an individual or an organization) but no license points are deducted, unless accompanied by other violations.
Although no points are deducted, vehicle owners should still not arbitrarily modify the exhaust or alter the vehicle's structure, because in addition to administrative fines, this act can affect safety and cause nuisance when participating in traffic.
>>> See more: Latest alcohol concentration fines for motorcycles
>>> See more: Q&A: Is keeping weapons in a motorbike trunk punishable by a fine?
Altering the exhaust structure does not result in driver's license point deductions
Regulations on altering motorbike structure under the latest Law
Pursuant to the 2024 Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, altering a motorbike's structure is the act of modifying a vehicle in a way that changes the original technical specifications of the registered vehicle. Specifically, in Clause 7, Article 2 of this Law, vehicle modification means making changes that transform the vehicle type compared to the initial design recognized by the manufacturer or the vehicle inspection agency.
Among these, common acts considered as altering vehicle structure include:
- Replacing the exhaust pipe (modifying the exhaust), altering the noise level;
- Adding or removing parts that affect the shape of the vehicle;
- Altering the chassis, engine, or load-bearing structure;
- Improperly adding lights, changing rims, raising the chassis, or lowering the seat;
- Making alterations that distort the original registered technical specifications.
According to Article 9 of this Law, all illegal modifications of motorbikes are strictly prohibited, except in special cases serving national defense or security purposes with permission from competent authorities.
Therefore, vehicle owners must not arbitrarily change any characteristics that distort the original structure, design, or identification of the vehicle to avoid administrative penalties under Decree 168/2024/ND-CP.
>>> See more: Common traffic violations committed by motorcycle riders
Vehicle owners should not alter vehicle structure to avoid administrative fines
Thus, DIBAO has provided a detailed answer on how much the fine is for modifying a motorbike exhaust under the latest regulations—from specific fine amounts and punishable cases to whether driver's license points are deducted. Therefore, instead of worrying about how much the fine is for modifying a motorbike exhaust, proactively comply with the regulations to protect yourself and others when participating in traffic.
>>> See more: Q&A: Where are the traffic enforcement cameras located in Hanoi?
>>> See more: Summary of traffic enforcement camera locations in Ho Chi Minh City