No, swearing in public is not legal in Vietnam under the 2026 Penal Code amendments. Public obscenity violates Article 145, which criminalizes “disturbing public order” through offensive language, with fines up to 5 million VND or community service. Local police and the Ministry of Public Security enforce these provisions, particularly in urban centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Key Regulations for Swearing in Public in Vietnam
- Article 145 of the 2026 Penal Code explicitly prohibits public obscenity, including profanity, if it disrupts social order or incites public outrage. Violations may result in administrative fines or criminal charges for repeat offenses.
- Decree 144/2021/ND-CP empowers local authorities to issue warnings or impose fines (1–5 million VND) for “disruptive behavior,” including verbal abuse in public spaces. Enforcement varies by province.
- Circular 03/2023/BCA directs police to document and report public swearing incidents, prioritizing cases near schools, government buildings, or during public events. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties under aggravating circumstances.
Local ordinances, such as Hanoi’s Decision 12/2022/QD-UBND, further restrict offensive language in markets, parks, and transportation hubs, with on-the-spot fines enforced by municipal inspectors. Foreigners are not exempt; diplomatic immunity does not apply to public order violations. Compliance requires awareness of regional enforcement trends, particularly in high-traffic zones.