VietNamNet Bridge – Chairmen of communes, wards and towns can levy fines from VND1m (USD44) to VND3m for urination in public places.

Those urinating in public will face fines of up to VND3m

The penalties were approved in Resolution 155 which will replace Resolution 179 on administrative sanctions for environmental offences and take effect from February 1 next year.

The fines for dropping cigarette butts will be raised from VND50,000 (USD2.2)-100,000 to VND500,000-1m. Fines for throwing garbage on the street is raised from VND300,000-400,000 to VND5m-7m. People who urinate in public places will face fines of VND1m-3m, much higher than the previous fines of VND200,000-300,000.

According to the resolution, people who insult, threaten on-duty officers or don't comply with the inspections and sanctions or refuse to attend meetings to resolve environmental problems after facing complaints, will face fines from VND5m (USD220) to VND10m.

The resolution also regulates a maximum fine that each level of authorities can apply. For example, the chairmen of communes, wards and towns have the authority to apply up to VND5m in fines or seize vehicles and items up to the value of VND5m. The chairmen of districts can apply a fine up to VND50m (USD2,200), while heads of communal police forces can apply a VND2.5m fine. On-duty officers can only apply a maximum fine of VND500,000.

The administrative fines can be applied to people aged 14-16 years old who are deemed to have deliberately committed offences.

Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 urban security were provided with equipment to detect public urination. Offenders are fined VND200,000 (USD9) and forced to clean the area. The force discovered and issued 19 fines and 15 warnings.

DTriNews