The country has seen 3,400 cases of traffic violations, with 1,232 of them involving drink driving, on the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday (Tet), nearly 10 times higher than the same period last year.

Police have seized 111 automobiles, 1,463 motorcycles, and 16 other vehicles, as well as suspended 789 driving licenses of all kinds. The fines for those cases totaled VND7.6 billion.

To ensure safety during Tet and prevent traffic accidents, the ministry has called for people not to drink alcohol when driving, as well as is strengthening supervision and strictly handling cases of drink driving. Drunk drivers will face the stiffest penalty if they are detected.

With an alcohol level of under 50 mg/100 ml or 0.25 mg in one liter of air breathed out, drivers are fined from VND6 million to VND8 million and have their licenses suspended for 10-12 months.

The fine increases to VND16 million – VND18 million for drunk drivers with an alcohol level of 50-80 mg/100 ml or 0.25-0.4 mg in one liter of air breathed out. Their licenses will be revoked for 16-18 months.

A fine of between VND30 million – 40 million is imposed on drivers with an alcohol level exceeding 80 mg/ 100 ml or 0.4 mg per liter of air breathed out or those failing to comply with the request for alcohol testing from the police. The drivers also have their driving licenses suspended for 22-24 months.

Motorbike drivers are also fined and have their driving licenses suspended if their alcohol concentration exceeds allowed levels.

Source: Saigon Times