Do You Need a License to Ride 50cc Scooters in Da Nang Vietnam?

Technically no license is needed for under-50cc scooters in Vietnam, but most rentals are 100cc+ which require a license - and your insurance won't cover unlicensed riding. The real risk isn't police fines (800,000-1,200,000 VND), it's having zero medical or liability coverage if you crash. Here's what expats in Da Nang need to know.

The Official Rule (Supposedly)

According to Vietnamese law:

Motorcycles under 50cc and limited to 50 km/h do not require a license.

That's the baseline. No international driver's permit (IDP), no Vietnamese license needed. Just rent the bike and go.

The same rule applies to electric scooters under 4 kW with a max speed of 50 km/h. No license required.

But There Are Rumors of Changes

Multiple people in Da Nang have mentioned seeing videos or posts claiming that as of January 2025, even 50cc motorcycles require an IDP. The rules supposedly changed to require documentation for everything, including electric bikes.

However: Nobody can find the official decree. People saw videos or heard it secondhand, but the actual law change isn't publicly available or confirmed. One person said they took an official motorcycle test in October and it still said 50cc doesn't require a license.

This is the current state: Confusion. The old rule is clear. The new rule is rumored but unconfirmed. Enforcement is inconsistent.

What Actually Happens When You Get Stopped

Here's the real-world scenario:

Scenario 1: You get stopped on a 50cc with no license

The police officer checks your bike, sees it's under 50cc, and either:

• Waves you on (most common)
• Fines you anyway because they're in a mood or want a bribe
• Asks for an IDP even though you don't technically need one

Scenario 2: You have an IDP but it's not specifically for 50cc

If you have an international driver's permit from your home country, most police officers won't hassle you. They see documentation and let you go. The IDP covers your bases even if you don't technically need it for 50cc.

Scenario 3: You have no documentation and get stopped

You might get fined. Or you might not. It depends entirely on the officer and whether they feel like enforcing rules that day.

The honest truth: Multiple expats report riding 50cc motorcycles for years without licenses or IDPs and never getting stopped. One person said they've been riding for 3 years with zero issues. Local teenagers ride 50cc bikes constantly with no documentation.

But others have gotten fined. Enforcement is not consistent.

The IDP Question

An IDP (International Driver's Permit) is useful to have, but here's the reality:

Do you need it for 50cc? Officially, no. If the bike is truly under 50cc and limited to 50 km/h, you don't need it.

Should you get it anyway? Yes, probably. It costs $15-30 and takes 20 minutes to get. It gives you legal cover if an officer decides to enforce rules strictly, and it's useful for other situations (renting larger bikes, showing police you're a documented driver, etc.).

Will it protect you from fines? Usually, yes. If you have an IDP, most police officers will let you go. If you don't have one and get stopped on any motorcycle, you're gambling.

The Loophole Everyone Knows About

Here's what happens in Da Nang:

• You rent a 50cc motorcycle
• Technically it's under the license-free threshold
• In reality, if you get stopped, an IDP protects you
• Most people don't get stopped because enforcement is selective
• The people who do get stopped are often the ones being reckless or obvious about not having documentation

The practical advice from long-term expats: Get an IDP. It's cheap, it's legal, and it eliminates uncertainty. You can ride 50cc motorcycles without one, but you're taking a gamble.

Electric Scooters as an Alternative

If you want to avoid the confusion entirely, consider renting an electric scooter under 4 kW. Same rule applies—no license needed. And honestly, for getting around Da Nang's streets, an electric scooter is often easier than a motorcycle.

One expat recommended May25, a rental service in Da Nang with well-maintained electric scooters and friendly staff. Electric is lower risk, no helmet required (legally, though safety-conscious riders wear one anyway), and you get past the license confusion entirely.

What You Actually Need to Know

Official rule: 50cc motorcycles and electric scooters under 4 kW with max 50 km/h speed don't require a license.

Practical reality: Get an IDP anyway. It's $15-30 and eliminates uncertainty.

What to do if stopped without an IDP on a 50cc: Be polite, show your passport, explain you're a visitor. You might get fined. You might not. It's a gamble.

Rumors about 2025 changes: Unconfirmed. The old rule (no license for 50cc) is still officially in effect. If the rule changes, enforcement will probably lag behind the announcement anyway.

The safest move: Get an IDP before you arrive (or get one in Da Nang), rent a 50cc motorcycle with confidence, and ride safely. You're legal either way, and the documentation removes doubt.

Why The Confusion Exists

Vietnam's approach to traffic enforcement is sporadic. Rules exist, but enforcement depends on:

• Which police officer stops you
• What their quota is that day
• Whether they're focused on motorcyclists or bigger issues
• How obviously illegal you're being
• Whether you're a foreigner (which sometimes gets you more scrutiny, sometimes less)

This creates a situation where people can break the same rule repeatedly without consequence, while others get fined immediately. It's not fair. It's just how it works.

The best response is to follow the rules and have documentation. It costs almost nothing and saves you from the uncertainty.

Bottom Line

You can probably ride a 50cc motorcycle without an IDP and be fine. Most people do. But you're gambling.

For the cost of a cup of coffee at Starbucks, get an IDP and stop gambling. Ride legally, ride safely, and enjoy the freedom a motorcycle gives you in Da Nang.

Related Da Nang Guides

• Da Nang Expat Guide
• Transportation and Services
• Vietnam Visa Run Guide