Countless automobiles have yet to transition to the latest Traffic Management Accounts ahead of the impending ETC deadline
Vietnamese Motorists Given One Year to Switch to Traffic Accounts for E-Toll Payments
A significant change is coming for drivers in Vietnam, as the government has set a deadline for the transition from traditional toll accounts to traffic accounts. This shift, mandated by Government Decree 119, is set to take place by October 1, 2025 [1][2][4].
Starting from this date, more than 4 million cars in Vietnam will be blocked from using non-stop electronic toll collection (ETC) lanes if their owners have not switched to the new type of payment account known as a 'traffic account.'
The traffic accounts can be linked to a range of cashless payment options, including bank accounts, e-wallets, or credit cards [3]. This change will make toll payments more flexible and transparent, allowing vehicles to be used for other transport-related services such as parking, vehicle inspections, fuel, and electric vehicle charging.
The switch will also benefit transport companies, as it will allow them to avoid keeping large sums of money locked away in toll accounts. From October 1, 2022, if a vehicle's traffic account is not linked to a payment method or does not have enough funds, it will be considered as having no ETC registration and will be barred from using the dedicated lanes.
The conversion process can be completed through provider apps such as MoMo or VETC and takes only 5 to 10 minutes. However, the main reason for the slow progress is that many drivers are unaware of the requirement.
On national highways, drivers without sufficient funds will have to use mixed-toll lanes or pay by other methods on the spot. On expressways, vehicles without sufficient funds will not be allowed through toll gates at all.
As of now, only about 30% of the 6.3 million vehicles registered for ETC in Vietnam have converted their toll accounts to traffic accounts [5]. Vehicle owners have until the deadline (October 1, 2025) to complete the conversion and link their traffic accounts to a cashless payment method.
[1] https://vietnamnet.vn/en/news/govt-to-require-cashless-payment-for-tolls-on-highways-700062.html [2] https://www.vietnamplus.vn/govt-to-require-cashless-payment-for-tolls-on-highways-by-2025/210353.vnp [3] https://www.vietnamnet.vn/en/news/govt-to-require-cashless-payment-for-tolls-on-highways-700062.html [4] https://www.vietnamplus.vn/govt-to-require-cashless-payment-for-tolls-on-highways-by-2025/210353.vnp [5] https://www.vietnamnet.vn/en/news/only-30-of-63-million-vehicles-in-vietnam-have-converted-their-toll-accounts-to-traffic-accounts-700082.html
The government's mandate, set by Government Decree 119, is not only affecting transportation but also the finance industry, as it requires the linking of traffic accounts to bank accounts, e-wallets, or credit cards by October 1, 2025. This shift towards cashless payments for tolls could have far-reaching implications, potentially influencing the AI sector as well, where the integration of digital financial services might be explored. Moreover, the war chest of transport companies could see a boost, as the new system alleviates the need to keep large sums of money in toll accounts, thanks to the flexible nature of traffic account payments.
