Vietnam considers criminal penalty for drunk drivers

The National Traffic Safety Committee organized a press conference on July 21 to announce a plan aimed at cutting down the number of drunk drivers in the country.

Answering Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper regarding a recent proposal to criminally charge those driving under the influence of alcohol, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Do Thanh Binh, deputy chief of the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, stated that the idea could be realized.

The current financial penalty for drunk driving is severe, up to VND18 million (US$807), Binh said, adding that violators can also be punished criminally as per specific guidance and regulations promulgated by competent authorities.

According to Article 260 of the new Penal Code, violators of traffic offenses that could potentially endanger people’s lives, health, and property can be fined between VND10 million (US$448.5) and VND50 million (US$2,242), the police official underlined.

Offenders are also subject to one year of non-custodial sanctions or sentenced to three months to a year in prison, he continued.

“As soon as the new Penal Code comes into effect, we will coordinate with relevant agencies to study and issue guidance with regard to the imposition of criminal charges against drunk drivers,” Binh stated.

The police official also mentioned harsher punishments for repeat offenders.

“We will discuss carefully with competent authorities before submitting a report to the government and proposing an amendment to the law,” he concluded.