No, studded tires are prohibited in Vietnam under the Ministry of Transport’s 2021 Circular 31/2021/TT-BGTVT, which aligns with ASEAN road safety standards. The regulation explicitly bans metal-studded tires nationwide due to infrastructure damage risks and safety hazards. Exceptions require prior approval from provincial transport departments, rarely granted.
Key Regulations for Studded Tires in Vietnam
- Circular 31/2021/TT-BGTVT: Explicitly prohibits studded tires, citing road surface degradation and traffic safety concerns. Non-compliance risks fines up to VND 8 million (≈$340) under Decree 100/2019/ND-CP.
- ASEAN Harmonization: Vietnam’s stance mirrors regional policies, where studded tires are restricted to protect road networks in tropical climates prone to rapid wear.
- Provincial Discretion: Local transport authorities (e.g., Hanoi’s Department of Transport) may grant temporary permits for specialized vehicles, but documentation must prove operational necessity and minimal environmental impact.
Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize electric vehicle (EV) tire standards, further marginalizing studded tire usage. Manufacturers and importers must verify compliance with Vietnam’s rubber tire safety technical regulations (QCVN 26:2021/BGTVT), which exclude studded designs.