Stricter fines proposed for drunk drivers

The Ministry of Transport is seeking public opinion about the revision of the Government Decree 46 issued in 2016 towards imposing stricter penalties on drivers whose alcohol levels exceed the legal limits. 

Under the ministry’s proposals for the decree, car drivers who are found drunk driving will face a fine of VND26-30 million for the blood alcohol concentration of 80 mg/100 ml or surpassing 0.4 mg/one litre of breath. In addition, their driving licence will be suspended for 10-12 months.

Car drivers who are detected to have used drugs will have their driving license revoked for 22-24 months. Those who resist alcohol and drug testing will have the driving license suspended for 10-12 months.

Meanwhile, the fine for drunk motorbike drivers will be increased to VND5-7 million and have their driving licence suspended for 10-12 months. Drivers found to have evidence of drugs will also face their driving licence suspended for 22-24 months.

The ministry has recommended imposing stricter fines for traffic violations on highways. For instance, drivers will have to pay the fine of VND16-18 million and have the driving licence suspended for 4-6 months if found driving against the traffic in the wrong direction.

According to the current Government Decree 46, the highest fine for a drunk driver is VND16-18 million and the driving licence suspension of 4-6 months. Drivers with evidence of drug use will have their driving license suspended for 22-24 months along with a fine of VND16-18 million.

The proposals for the revision followed recent tragic accidents caused by drunk drivers in Hanoi.